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World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Autism-Europe works together with its member organisations to conduct campaigns that raise awareness of autism and the rights of people with autism across Europe.

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd United Nations General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This United Nations resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the high prevalence rate of autism among children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

European campaigns

Each year, Autism-Europe works together with its member organisations to conduct campaigns to raise awareness of autism and the rights of autistic people across Europe:

AE’s current campaign: “Building an inclusive society for autistic people”

AE’s previous campaigns

Activities and events in Europe

Autism-Europe members organise a wide range of events and activities across Europe to mark World Autism Awareness Day each year. For more information on these, please go to our members page and contact them directly.

See also:

United Nations World Autism Awareness Day website

Light It Up Blue website