Every year on April 2nd, have you noticed some places lighting up with blue lights (or other unique colors based on local initiatives!) as a special reminder to pay attention to a particular group? That’s right, April 2nd comes right after April Fool’s Day, but it highlights an issue that deserves our serious attention and understanding—World Autism Awareness Day!

Let’s first discuss what “autism” is or more precisely why people now prefer using “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). Why add “spectrum”? Because it’s not as straightforward as having a cold or fever; its manifestations are incredibly diverse! Just like a broad spectrum of light each person with autism is unique. Their ways of thinking perceiving the world social interactions communication might differ from most people varying greatly in characteristics and degrees.

The concept of “autism” was first introduced in 1943 by Leo Kanner an American expert from Johns Hopkins University. Back then understanding was very preliminary leading many years later still incomplete comprehension resulting in misconceptions stigmas. Many simply referred it as “solitary disorder” though medically accurate once easily misinterpreted making them seem reclusive uninterested connections untrue! They believed it “invisible” since doesn’t affect appearance looking like everyone else thus often misunderstood misinterpreted.

Due misunderstandings friends with autism frequently encounter difficulties: being misunderstood at school facing obstacles job hunting feeling confused socially even discriminated excluded due stereotypes prejudices lacking support brings extra pressure challenges families too.

Recognizing this issue affecting individuals families globally UN acted designating annually starting 2008 April 2nd “World Autism Awareness Day” through resolution passed December 2007!

Establishing day aims raising global awareness understanding including broadness spectrum latest research diagnostic advances importantly genuinely focusing rights education employment unique needs talents exceptional fields barriers integrating society core calling moving knowing understanding accepting supporting! Accept neurodiversity means realizing differing worldviews interactions striving creating friendlier inclusive environment showcasing strengths dignified lives societal participation emphasizing themes such as “focusing services building social security mechanisms” ensuring high-quality supports services.

From this year counting (2025) marks 18th World Autism Awareness Day continuous progress awareness remains much work ahead.

Thus every April 2nd worldwide activities respond famously “Light It Up Blue” landmarks schools homes illuminating blue expressing support now expanded colors red self-advocacy groups symbolizing vitality enthusiasm additionally science lectures sharing sessions art exhibitions talents arts music running walking advocacy events courageous stories shared families letting voices heard deeply inside.

April second annually signifies not merely publicity day rather understanding acceptance diversity love reminding diversity beautifies world every life uniquely valuable deserving recognition respect fostering less misunderstanding more warmth striving together creating friendlier inclusive world simply put means: understand ASD accept neurodiversity build inclusive society small attentions bring great changes!