Thriving with Autism

THRIVING WITH AUTISM

"Throughout its history, the United Nations family has celebrated diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including learning differences and developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. It is a vital tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.

Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.

The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries."

(Source: World Autism Awareness Day - background | United Nations)

World Autism Awareness Day 2023

This year, WAAD observed a virtual event on Sunday, 2 April, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST.

The event was organized in close collaboration with autistic people and featured autistic people from around the world discussing how the transformation in the narrative around neurodiversity can continue to be furthered in order to overcome barriers and improve the lives of autistic people. It also addressed the contributions that autistic people make – and can make – to society, and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2023 World Autism Awareness Day observance is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), an organization established and run by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people and allies. ION is based in Switzerland and currently has a presence in 14 countries. ION is working to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted, represented, included, empowered and heard.

The event was streamed on the UN’s YouTube and Twitter channels, and on UN WebTV." (UN)

Watch the videos below for more information:

Home: Autistic perspectives of Home, Life and Education

Arts: Autistic talent in Music, Dance, Visual arts, Poetry

Work: Autistic perspectives on Neurodiversity at Work 

Policy: Autistic perspectives on Policy and Advocacy 

World Autism Awareness Day 2022

On April 2, 2022, we observed the 15th anniversary of UN World Autism Awareness Day. The day reminds us that, like any other population in the world, the UN has a highly diverse workforce and strives to enhance inclusivity to the benefit of all concerned. To view autism as a neuro-atypicality rather than a disorder has proven to shift the focus away from challenges and deficits, but rather towards strengths and unique capabilities of autistic individuals, when provided with an inclusive, educated, and accommodating work environment. We strive to raise this awareness to enable our staff to thrive and unfold their full potential. The presentation of UN partner Specialisterne's inclusivity expert Dr. Johannes Klietmann was as informative as it was enlightening, which is why we are making the recording available below. For any questions regarding the topic, please don't hesitate to contact your Staff Counsellor (for UNOV/UNODC/CTBTO: Patience Gebauer, for IAEA/UNIDO: Johanna Schubert).