Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), more commonly known as autism, represents a broad range of neurological conditions characterized by difficulties in repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, and social interactions. With approximately one in every 44 children in the U.S. being diagnosed with ASD, every individual with autism has their own distinct set of strengths and challenges that corresponds to the varying amounts of support required in their daily life.
Yet, the stigmatization and discrimination associated with ASD creates obstacles in diagnosis, therapies, and issues like employment opportunities. In response to the injustice, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly established a World Autism Awareness Day in 2007 that takes place every year on April 2. The primary purpose of this day is to spread awareness about the need to promote equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for those with autism, allowing them to live more meaningful and joyous lives.
Each year, the UN assigns one of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals as the theme of the year’s Autism Awareness Day. This year, for the 15th World Autism Awareness Day, the UN held a moderated virtual panel discussion under the overarching theme of “Inclusive Quality Education for All,” along with brief presentations by self-advocates, educators, and other experts.
The 2022 theme was chosen in response to the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on students with autism; those with the disorder have been affected by disruptions of routines, as well as the unavailability of services and support systems that they usually rely on. “Inclusive Quality Education for All” is also intrinsically connected to last year’s observance of “Inclusion in the Workplace.” The panelists in 2021’s Autism Awareness Day event pointed out the importance of fostering inclusive, quality education for people on the autism spectrum, to help them fulfill their potential and achieve long-term success in the labor market. Ultimately, as the UN stated, “Inclusive education is the key to the transformative promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, to leave no one behind.”
To celebrate this year’s Autism Awareness Day, organizations worldwide have hosted a diverse variety of events. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) held a virtual supervision panel of their Infinite Chess FIDE Project, which is based on spreading awareness and knowledge of chess to children with ASD. The event was organized in partnership with the leading projects supporting children with autism, and is currently running in Turkey, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Norway, and South Africa. Similarly, the National Foundation for Autism Research organized a “Race for Autism” fundraiser event in San Diego. The event consisted of running courses, accompanied by an educational resource fair, commemorative medals, and many other activities.
The support for Autism Awareness Day is just as widespread in the state of Connecticut. On May 2, Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (ASRC) will be hosting the “Walk and Festival for Autism” event as one of their largest fundraisers and celebrations of Autism Awareness Month. While the event used to be held at the end of April, it has, over the years, been moved to May due to weather conditions and planning purposes.
Activities being featured to make the walk inclusive and family-friendly include dancing, opportunities for students to meet different animals, a big raffle, and a DJ. This year’s event will also include an inclusive-employment showcase. ASRC is planning to have vendors that are inclusive employers to the neurodiverse community set up tables at the walk, where people can approach them to learn about employment opportunities. Ms. Sara Taussik, Director of Programs & Training at ASRC, said, “This is a new idea that we’re putting out there and hopefully is something that’s going to broaden the horizon of future opportunities for folks on the spectrum.”
During the entire month of April, ASRC is also helping the New Haven Police Department and Yale Security develop programs intended to educate officers about autism. “We’ve been providing vignettes, like mini webinars, to inform officers of who people on the spectrum are and how to best interact with them to keep all parties safe. It’s been a really cool development,” Ms. Taussik expressed.
Apart from the main events in April, ASRC has also been hosting information sessions and a wide range of structured recreational and social programs for all ages of the community, most of which are free. As an individual with autism, Ms. Tiff Vasale is grateful for the help that ASRC has provided. “ASRC has great support, like social groups and support systems. There’s like the walks and everything … I think all of those are really important,” she said.
When asked about her thoughts on the purpose of Autism Awareness Month, Ms. Taussik explained, “It’s really about educating the public, providing an understanding of what autism is and isn’t. People historically think of autism as characters like Rain Man and things from their TV shows that they see — a very pigeon-hole version of what [autism] is … If the neurotypical community can be welcoming, supportive, and embracing of the neurodiverse community, then I think it allows everyone to grow.”
