World Autistic Pride Day 18 June 2024 - Importance and theme

World Autistic Pride Day is a pride celebration for autistic people, which is commemorated every year on the 18 June. World Autistic Pride Day is celebrated by autistic people and their advocators to identify the significance of pride for autistic people and its vital role in bringing about positive changes in society at large.

World Autistic Pride Day 2024 theme

This year, 2024, the World Autistic Pride Day theme is "Taking the Mask Off." This theme emphasizes the significance of embracing one's natural behaviors, preferences, and ways of interacting with the world. It is a profound and liberating theme for Autistic Pride Day, promoting authenticity and the rejection of societal pressures that force Autistic individuals to hide their true selves.

History of World Autistic Pride Day

The first Autistic Pride Day was celebrated in Brazil in 2005, according to reports. The day was created by Gareth and Amy Nelson, according to various sources. A Brazilian organization called Aspires for Freedom is credited with creating the day in 2005 in order to raise public awareness of autism and pinpoint the similarities as well as the differences among people with the condition. Over time, the event gained significance around the world and eventually became a global event.

Significance of World Autistic Pride Day

As its name suggests, Autism Pride Day is a very significant day since it educates the public about the difficulties that those living with autism face. Our goal should be to treat autistic persons with respect and empathy in order to combat stigma. Equal opportunities should also be made available to people with autism on this day.

What is Autism or Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?

Autism spectrum sickness (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder impacting how humans interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be recognized at any age, it is described as a "developmental disorder" due to the fact that the signs and symptoms normally start to present within the first two years of life.

How autism disorders affect an individual?

Autism is usually first diagnosed in childhood. About one in 110 children is diagnosed with autism. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in boys is three-four times greater than in girls. In many cases, autism is a lifelong disorder, but studies demonstrate an increase in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders who eventually function independently and lead full lives. Here, we focus mainly on children and adolescents.

Summary

While people on the extreme end of the spectrum may need assistance to function and run their lives, with the right support, various autistic people too can enjoy pleasurable lives.

Department of Neurology