World Autism Awareness Day 2025

Dr Yumnam Sana Devi
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Autismis a neuro-developmental disorder with symptom manifes- tation during developmental phase of life. Worldwide prevalence is 1 in 100 while in India it is 1 in 65 and it affects boys more than girls with 4:1 ratio. There are two main core deficits in these individuals – impairment  in social communication and restricted repetitive beha-vior with sensory issues. These problems will manifest in variant nature accor- ding to the course of disorder with different areas of difficulties.
The current understanding from the various researches is that ‘Autism’ is actually a variant of normal human deve- lopment and human diversity (Neuro-diversity). As of now, there is no cure for Autism hence the focus should be on disability and inclusion in the society with their variant nature.
Acknowledging the above challenges for ASD communities, in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly sanctioned April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). It is an annual event aimed at raising awareness and accep- tance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to celebrate the diversity and achievements of autistic people and promote their full participation and inclusion in society. This year marks the 18th annual World Autism Awareness Day.
There has been a significant change over the last two decades in focus on the welfare of autistic communities, from simply raising public awareness to promoting acceptance, and now it comes to the appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.
The 2025 observance has the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and  the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ” This theme focuses the significance of acknowledging and promoting neurodiversity while coordinating initiatives with the larger sustainable development objectives esta- blished by the United Nations. The UN SDGs are a collection of 17 interconnected goals adopted in 2015 by the international community as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. While all 17 goals are relevant to creating an inclu- sive and equitable world for individuals with ASD, the goals that many countries chose to focus on hold particular significance are
SDG 3 : Good Health and Well-Being : Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for individuals with ASD;
SDG 5: Gender Equality : Empowering all women and girls, including those with ASD;
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, including individuals with ASD.
These things can be achieved only after a collective efforts from all sectors at various levels,i.ehealth, social welfare, education, NGOs, stakeholders, policy-makers and community.  
As a mark of observance of this very important day, I would like to share different treatment approaches that are shown to be effective in these individuals.  ASD management needs a multidisciplinary approach due to its variant symptom profile.  
(To be contd)