In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April each year as World Autism Awareness Day.
The outcomes of the 2005 World Summit of the United Nations General Assembly about the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities pointed out that the disabled children must enjoy decent and meaningful lives under an environment that ensures their dignity and promotes self-reliance, actual participation in the society and full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children, as the securing of the fundamental freedoms for disabled children is of great importance to achieve the internationally agreed upon developmental goals.
Autism symptoms appear during the first three years of life. It is a group of complex disorders hindering the brain development and it varies in degrees. The child with autism suffers from difficulties in social interaction and communication (verbal and non-verbal) and repetitive behaviors.
The incidence of autism among children worldwide reached 20 in almost every 10,000 children and the spread of the disorder among male children is 4 times higher than female children.
Internationally approved date: April 2nd, 2015
Locally approved date: Jumada al-Thany 12th, 1436H
Theme of the World Autism Day:
Employment: The Autism Advantage
Objectives of the World Autism Day:
- Educating community on autism.
- Identifying important standards and guidelines for the development of health care provided for people with autism.
- Incorporating children with autism in the community and strengthening their self-confidence and abilities.
- Providing health, psychological and social support for people with autism and their families.
- Spreading awareness about educational and rehabilitation programs concerned with autism patients.
- Supporting people with autism in all fields, particularly in education, training and employment.
Targeted groups:
Patients with autism and their families.
Health professionals.
Health organizations and associations.
Decision makers in the health sector.
The public.
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