Happy World Autism Day! Yes, - World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2nd each year to raise awareness about autism and promote acceptance of individuals with the condition. This year, on April 2, 2023, individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide will come together to promote autism awareness and speak about the needs of individuals with autism.

Understanding the Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism? - A condition related to nervous system development that impacts an individual's ability to understand and engage with their environment. People with ASD may have difficulty with social communication, such as making eye contact or engaging in conversation, and struggle with nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language.

In some cases, Autism is related to repetitive behaviors, which, in turn, narrow individuals' interests and activities. Some people with ASD may have difficulty with sensory processing that impact their ability to tolerate certain sounds, textures, or lighting.

While the symptoms of Autism vary from person to person, some common symptoms are easily noticeable:

• Difficulty with social interaction (making eye contact, engaging in conversation, etc.)
• Delayed language development
• Difficulty with verbal communication
• Repetitive behaviors
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Difficulty with executive function

World Autism Awareness Day History

The origin of World Autism Awareness Day was in 2007 by the United Nations. The proposal was introduced by the State of Qatar and adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18th, 2007. Since then, world autism day has become a day to come together and promote autism awareness. It provides an opportunity to increase understanding of the condition and speak about the needs of individuals with autism.

Each year, the UN observes national autism day with a different theme. For autism day 2023, it is decided to choose the "Embracing Neurodiversity" theme. Neurodiversity is the concept that differences in neurological function and behavior should be recognized and respected as a natural variation of the human experience. It means recognizing that individuals with autism have unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that should be valued and celebrated.

The Autism Advocacy Movement

Besides having world autism day in April, this month is widely recognized as Autism Awareness Month, As a global movement, the autism advocacy movement is more active in April, and it seeks to improve the lives of people with autism and promote their rights, inclusion, and acceptance in society. The movement began in the mid of the 20th century when autism was first recognized as a distinct developmental disorder. At that time, many people with autism were excluded from mainstream society,and their families had few resources or support. Today individuals and organizations do their best to push for the best support for people with autism and to raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Supporting Individuals with Autism

Individuals with autism may face a variety of challenges in everyday life: from difficulty with socializing to sensory overload and more. It is essential to offer professional support to help individuals with autism disorder.

Some ways to support individuals with autism include promoting inclusion and understanding, providing accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones or visual schedules, and being patient and understanding. There are many resources available to individuals with autism and their families. Support groups, therapy options, and educational programs can help promote the well-being of people with autism.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Some people sometimes mix up autism with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), as these two terms are related and have been used interchangeably in the past. However, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a part of the broader category of PDD ( a group of conditions sharing similar features such as difficulties with social communication, interaction, and behavior).

It is essential to diagnose the condition and provide the proper support to help individuals with autism.

Brain Wellness Center in San Ramon, California programs for autism typically focuses on providing drug-free solutions to optimize brain function and address the specific challenges that individuals with autism may face. What you need is to schedule an appointment and get the required support to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Conclusion

World Autism Day is an important day to support and encourage people with Autism disorder. However, we should continue to support and advocate for individuals with autism beyond Autism Day. With it, we can help create a more inclusive and understanding society that values and supports the diversity of all individuals.