WORLD AUTISM UNDERSTANDING DAY

Aamina Shakoor, Speech Pathologist, Change for Life.

What is World Autism Understanding Day?

Every year, on the 2nd of April, the world celebrates World Autism Awareness Day. However, Autism Advocacy groups have been focussing shifting away from the word ‘awareness’ and using ‘understanding’ or ‘acceptance’ instead. The reason behind is this that language used to talk about Autism and Autistic people is very important. World Autism Understanding Day celebrates the resilience of those affected by the disorder and supports causes that promote awareness of it.

 What is Autism?

Defining Autism is a little tricky. Autism is a developmental condition that can affect how an individual learns and interactions with everyone around them. Autism has many different characteristics; therefore, Autistic people are not the same and are different in their own ways. Therefore, Autism is described as a ‘spectrum’.

How many people are on the Autism Spectrum?

According to Autism Spectrum Org “research suggests that an estimated 1 in 70 people in Australia on the autism spectrum”. Autism can be diagnosed in people from all cultural and economic backgrounds. The characteristics of autism may appear in early childhood, but sometimes they can go unrecognised until later in life

How to be an Ally to Autistic People:

• Listen to Autistic voices
• Support Autistic-led organisations
• Collaborate with autistic people on information that is about them
• Use ‘autistic’ vs ‘person with autism’ – this is preferred
• Ask questions if you aren’t sure about something.