UN Observes World Autism Awareness Day
By Robert Valencia
On 18 December 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, to be observed annually starting in 2008. Introduced by Qatar as a draft text and sponsored by 50 Member States, this initiative aims to disseminate information throughout society regarding children with autism.
The Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser officially announced the Day during a press conference on 20 March at UN Headquarters, where he underscored that Qatar’s proposal was guided by the work of Her Highness Sheika Mozah Bint Nasser, the Consort of His Highness the Emir of Qatar. “Through her deep commitment and inspiring vision, the State of Qatar has improved and enhanced the living standards of children with disabilities, as well as those with other special needs in Qatar”, Ambassador. Al-Nasser said.
In compliance with the resolution, the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) through its NGO Section and in partnership with civil society organizations, held a two-day observance of the Day to raise awareness of the developmental disability. The formal observance, sponsored by Qatar and a non-governmental organization partner, Autism Speaks, took place on 2 April.
In a message on the commemoration, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reaffirmed the UN commitment to the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. “As we advance the universal human rights of children with disabilities, let us focus on building enabling environments for them to prosper as future members of their communities, citizens of their countries and as fully-fledged members of the global community”, he stated. “Let us pay tribute to the courage of children with autism and their families, as they strive every day to confront the disability with a powerful combination of determination, creativity and hope.”
Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright spoke about the designation of World Autism Awareness Day. “I can’t believe this dream came true. This is a historic day for us, and we must celebrate the gathering of organizations all over the world”, Mrs. Wright said. The establishment of autism’s official day is “a big accomplishment”, Mr. Wright added, describing some parents’ daily struggle. “They don’t have access to doctors and many of them don’t have the money for speech therapies. It’s draining because insurance doesn’t cover such disability.”
During the event, panelists and attendees received a report titled “Essence of Autism-Civil Society Institutions in the State of Qatar”, which outlined the country’s purpose of treating the disability. According to the report, there are several types of autism: the classical autism syndrome; schizophrenic childhood syndrome; and autism syndrome, with nerve handicapping children who suffer from organic brain diseases. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that causes a neurological disorder which affects the functioning of the brain. It has been on the rise worldwide regardless of race or socio-economic status. It is estimated that the disability affects 1 out of 150 children, and is four times more prevalent in boys than girls—1 out of 94 boys.
The second event, which took place on 3 April, paid tribute to the daily struggles of those with autism and highlighted the importance of better understanding of the disorder. Panelists and special guests discussed the efforts in eliminating the stigma associated with the disabiliy. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Autism Society of America, Lee Grossman, noted that the disability “is a human rights issue globally and there is discrimination against family members with autism … this does not only happen in the Third World but also in the United States”. The co-founder of the Open Centre for Autism, Valerie Paradis, shared her personal effort in raising awareness. “We must develop an international programme so we can have participation at all levels of planning”, she said. “Autism is a label we should not be afraid of and I believe it should be embraced.”
There is currently no cure, but some studies have shown that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lessen the symptoms and opens a new possibility for people with autism to achieve their full potential. The Director of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Edwin Trevathan, noted that “this is a long commitment … it is a marathon and we are all in this race. Many children are not diagnosed until they reach five years when we can diagnose them when they are 18 months old”.
