AUTISM AWARENESS

Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and recently well-known, Greta Thunberg, have definitely left a huge impact in their respective fields, whether it is science, business, environment or anything else. They are some of the world’s most intelligent minds, and they all have one thing in common- they all have/had autism.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated condition that includes problems with communication and behavior. ASD can be a minor problem or a disability that needs full-time care in a special facility.

People with autism have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it hard for them to express themselves, either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch. Their skills might develop unevenly. For example, they could have trouble communicating but be unusually good at art, music, math, or memory. Because of this, they might do especially well on tests of analysis or problem-solving.

However, it is sad to see the stigma around autism, as the perceptions of people regarding autistic people is wrong. They are discriminated, and in many countries autistic persons lack access to services which would support, on an equal basis with others, their right to health, education, employment, and living in the community. For some students with ASD, social experiences are negative, with students reporting feeling lonely, socially excluded, and bullied.

Some people have stooped so low, that they use autism as a way of insulting someone. Autism is not a joke and should definitely not be considered to be one.

People with autism, should be treated equally, like everyone else. They are special in their own way. Making one feel accepted can go a long way and help in boosting one’s confidence. The solution is inclusion, by accepting autistic people for who they are. Inclusion may help reduce stigma, allow for social learning, increase social acceptance, and improve the social standing of persons with ASD. They deserve to be respected, loved, included and accepted by all.

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on 2 April every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world.

As our moral obligation as human beings, we must come together and use this day as a way to spread awareness about autism, break the stigma, and come one step closer to ensuring that this world becomes a better place for those with autism.