7th Annual World Autism Awareness Day Celebrated by UN

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Through the adoption of Resolution 62/139, the United Nations created the internationally recognized day back on December 18, 2007 and announced that it would take place every year, beginning on April 2, 2008.

The U.N. has always acknowledged and promoted the rights of those who are physically and mentally disabled, and in 2006 they created the "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities." After unanimously approving World Autism Awareness Day to take place on April 2, the U.N. specified that its goal was to highlight the need to help improve the lives of those who suffer from autism spectrum disorders so they can live fulfilling lives.

"World Autism Awareness Day is about more than generating understanding; it is a call to action. I urge all concerned to take part in fostering progress by supporting education programs, employment opportunities and other measures that help realize our shared vision of a more inclusive world," Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced earlier today.

In honor of those who suffer from ASD, more than 8,400 landmarks in 101 countries across the world will emit blue light to acknowledge World Autism Awareness Day. Resolution 62/139 sought to invite all member states of the U.N. as well as other organizations (government, non-government, non-profit, etc.) to acknowledge the day of awareness and to take measures to inform and educate society about the disease.

Autism affects approximately 70 million people worldwide, and a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study revealed last week that ASD rates among children have increased 30% since 2012: from 1 in every 88 children to 1 in every 68 children.

To get involved, you can take your voice to social media and share photos and events dealing with autism. You can hashtag Autism Kindness Acts (#AKA) as well as Light It Up Blue (#LIUB) to show your support for the annual awareness day. To read more, visit the Autism Speaks website.