Today, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)! The date has been commemorated annually since 2008, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating April 2 World Autism Awareness Day. Since then, organziations around the world have mobilized to raise awareness on this day, as well as throughout the month of April.
This year, the theme is of WAAD at the United Nations is “Employment; The Autism Advantage.” Numerous events are scheduled at the UN on this day, with a focus on ways nations can support growth in employment opportunities for individuals with autism as well as create work environments where people with autism can excel by contributing their unique and exceptions skills. Following welcoming remarks by Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Governor Jack Markell of Delaware will deliver the keynote address, “A Better Bottom Line.” A panel discussion on “Science, Collaboration & Answers for the Global Autism Community.” A live webcast of this panel, which takes place 4/2/15 from 3-6pm EST, can be viewed at http://webtv.un.org/.
Among the most popular campaigns for World Autism Awareness Day is the “Light It Up Blue“ campaign, led by Autism Speaks. This year over 13,000 landmark buildings will shine blue lights to raise global awareness of autism. They include the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center in New York; the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Tokyo Tower in Japan; the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; Niagra Falls in Canada; the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt; Trafalgar Square in London, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nelson Mandela Bridge in South Africa; Macau Tower, the Hungarian Parliament; and many more.
Of course, to effectively raise awareness, it is not enough to know basic fasts and figures about autism. It is also important to understand what autism is, and be familiar with the latest, most effective evidence-based treatments and supports for individuals with autism. National Professional Resources has hundreds of resources for educators, intervention specialists, parents and individuals with autism available in our online store, at www.nprinc.com/autism. In addition to our brand new release, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Seven Steps of Support, browse a wide variety of quick-reference laminated guides, books, videos and multimedia resources, and do your part in improving opportunities and outcomes for individuals with autism.
