1 April 2025
UN Secretary-General
António Guterres is calling for renewed commitment to
create a more equal and inclusive world in his message
marking World
Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday.
This
year’s theme – Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN
Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) – highlights the
intersection between neurodiversity and global
sustainability efforts.
The goal is to
showcase how inclusive policies and practices can drive
positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and
contribute to making the SDGs a reality.
Isolation,
stigma and inequality
“People with autism often
experience isolation, stigma and inequality. They
have been denied healthcare and education – especially
during crises – and their legal capacity has been
unrecognized and over-ridden,” the
Secretary-General said.
“Such
discrimination contravenes the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the
Sustainable Development Goals’ commitment to leave no one
behind. It must change,” he
added.
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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder,
constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to
development of the brain, according to a fact
sheet by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Characteristics
may be detected in early childhood, involving some degree of
difficulty with social interaction and communication,
however diagnosis often does not occur until much
later.
Vaccine link debunked
It is estimated
that about 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism. Available
scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many
factors that make a child more likely to have autism,
including environmental and genetic factors, WHO
said.
The UN agency noted that extensive
research over many years has demonstrated that the measles,
mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause
autism.
“Studies that were interpreted as
indicating any such link were flawed, and some of
the authors had undeclared biases that influenced
what they reported about their research,” the fact sheet
said.
Furthermore, evidence also shows that other
childhood vaccines do not increase risk.
Varied life
experiences
The abilities and needs of autistic
people vary and can evolve over time, WHO explained. While
some can live independently, others have severe disabilities
and require life-long care and support.
Autism also
often has an impact on education and employment
opportunities, while families can face significant demands
in providing care and support.
The Secretary-General
stressed that governments must adopt legislation and
policies that guarantee equality and promote the full
participation of people with autism in
society.
“We need inclusive health and
education systems, work environments, and urban design –
to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities to
thrive,” he said.
“On World Autism
Awareness Day, let us recommit to create a world where no
person with autism is left behind,” his message
concluded.
Commitment to diversity
Throughout
its history, the UN has celebrated diversity and promoted
the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities,
including learning differences and developmental
disabilities.
For example, the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
which entered into force in 2008, reaffirms the fundamental
principle of universal human rights for all.
That same
year, the UN General Assembly – which brings together all
193 Member States – unanimously declared 2 April as World
Autism Awareness Day to improve the quality of life of
people with autism so they can lead full and meaningful
lives as an integral part of
society.
