World Autism Awareness Day: Spread the Good Word!

The United Nations General Assembly released a statement to mark the fifth World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) - 2 April. The day was established with the goal of bringing the world's attention to the problem of autism and to help improve lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder and give them the required attention and care.

"Autism is not limited to a single region or a country; it is a worldwide challenge that requires global action," explained Ban Ki-moon, the UN's General-Secretary, in a statement on the organisation's Web site.

"The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day is meant to spur such action and draw attention to the unacceptable discrimination, abuse and isolation experienced by people with autism and their loved one," the General Secretary's statement added.

Autism is a growing global health concern and there is urgent need for early diagnosis and early intervention of the condition. Every year, autism organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

The main symptoms people suffering from autism face are challenges, disabilities or delays in the area of social communication. In addition, people with autism seem to be more prone to other problems like sensory dysfunction, sleep disorders, self-abusive behavior and more. There is no medical detection or cure for autism; however early diagnosis can help handling them.

Autism reportedly affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys and is a fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the US.