The United Nations (UN), at the end of 2007, designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. The date aims to inform and raise society’s awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder for which there is currently no cure, but its symptoms can be alleviated through appropriate and early support and intervention.
Autism awareness is the first step toward building a more understanding and welcoming society for autistic people and their caregivers. To contribute to this mission, we need to educate ourselves about ASD.
ASD can be observed as early as the first years of life. According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, the disorder is characterized by “difficulties in communication and social interaction and the presence of repetitive or restricted behaviors and/or interests.”
It is important to emphasize that ASD presents at different levels of severity, with some people having milder conditions and others having more severe conditions that may require specialized support throughout their lives. Unfortunately, many people are diagnosed with ASD late, with the diagnosis being made, on average, when the child is between 4 and 5 years old. Late diagnosis can be detrimental, as therapies are important for the child’s overall development.
Unfortunately, prejudice against autistic people is still very present in society due to a lack of information about the disorder. That is why it is so important to stay informed, raise awareness, and help educate the people around us.
