• The United Nations observes April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.

• Although people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies across the globe, they still face significant challenges. 

• The UN has worked to promote the full realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society. 

• Over the years, significant progress has been made, driven in large part by autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experiences of autistic individuals to the forefront of global discussions.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for renewed commitment to create a more equal and inclusive world in his message marking World Autism Awareness Day.

• This year’s theme — Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts.

• By fostering dialogue and collaboration across multiple sectors, World Autism Awareness Day 2025 aims to reinforce the need for sustained efforts to eliminate barriers, promote inclusive policies, and recognize the contributions of autistic individuals to society and the achievement of the SDGs.

Key points on autism:

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. 

• They are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.

• It is estimated that worldwide about one in 100 children has autism. 

• Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

• People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as challenging behaviours such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury. 

• The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.

• The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. 

• Autism often has an impact on education and employment opportunities. In addition, the demands on families providing care and support can be significant. 

• Societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism.

• Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors.

• Extensive research using a variety of different methods and conducted over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism. 

• Evidence also shows that other childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. 

• It is important that, once autism has been diagnosed, children, adolescents and adults with autism and their carers are offered relevant information, services, referrals, and practical support, in accordance with their individual and evolving needs and preferences.

• A broad range of interventions, from early childhood and across the life span, can optimize the development, health, well-being and quality of life of autistic people. Timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. The monitoring of child development as part of routine maternal and child health care is recommended.

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