Celebrating Diversity on World Autism Awareness Day

Thursday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day, designated by the United Nations to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals in every part of the world. 

Originally designated in 2007, this year’s Awareness Day theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” chosen to highlight and affirm the dignity and worth of all autistic people.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined in the mental health field as a neurological condition characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction in most contexts, as well as restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. These characteristics run the gamut of intensity, ranging from very mild to severe. Social, academic and occupational functioning are often affected significantly.  

The U.N. defines autism with the same characteristics but in a way that focuses on differences, not deficits. The U.N. uses language like non-standard ways of learning, unique social interactions, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, and particular ways of processing sensory information.  

The different language around the definition highlights how autism awareness has developed historically and continues to develop globally. The U.N., the World Health Organization and other advocacy groups are focusing on moving beyond just awareness, to acceptance and inclusion of people with autism in all aspects of society. 

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 out of 100 children are autistic. As a play therapist, I see many children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. As with all of the KS Services clinicians, I take a strength-based approach to the diagnosis, not something to be feared but to be embraced. ASD children have many gifts to offer the world. So many people with autism are highly visual and exceptionally artistic. They have amazing insight and notice so many sights and sounds neurotypical people do not. Their hyper focus on specific topics make them experts in their field.

Figures in history who are thought to have autistic traits include Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Mozart and Emily Dickinson. Famous people today who have autism include actors Anthony Hopkins, Dan Aykroyd and Darryl Hannah; Pokeman creator Satoshi Tajiri; Microsoft founder Bill Gates; and chess master Bobby Fischer, just to name a few.

If you suspect your child may be on the spectrum or is already diagnosed, you may need some help in navigating the school system, social interactions and intense emotional reactions. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation to see if KS Services can support you.