"Shining a Light on Autism: Embracing Understanding and Acceptance on World Autism Awareness Day"

Since 2007 the United Nations has launched April 2^nd every year as the World Autism Awareness Day. The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise the world's awareness of this developmental disorder as well as to fight for the rights of individuals with Autism.

Autism or better known as "Autism Spectrum Disorder" is a developmental disorder of an individual that affects one’s social behaviour, communication and language, as well as a tendency to limited and unique interests and activities to an individual that are repetitive. This disorder has been described as a spectrum because of the variety of characteristics exhibited by any autistic individual that may differ from other autistic individuals. Autism is commonly detected in the early stages of childhood, especially during the pre-school age due to delays in speech and communication development. Most will experience other health and developmental issues such as learning disabilities as well as mental health issues.

Data from a systematic study in 2022 showed that 1 in every 100 children worldwide have Autism, with a 4 times higher frequency among boys than in girls. Data in Malaysia shows that the number of children with Autism registered under the Social Welfare Department has increased by 663% from 2013 with a total of 6,991 to 53,323 children in 2023.

Scientific evidence suggests that there are many factors that put children at risk for developing autism, including environmental and genetic factors.  In addition, the increase in reported case rates is also closely related to improved community awareness and improved quality of public healthcare worldwide, advancement in case identification and definition, and increased community capacity to address these issues. To date, treatment for individuals with autism has focused on therapy to enable them achieve optimal levels of functionality as well as the use of medication for specific cases. Concurrently, there are ongoing clinical trials abroad looking at targeted treatment for conditions related to autism that may promise better outcomes for them. 

The theme of this year's Autism Awareness Day celebration is "Advancing Neurodiversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)", with the target that inclusive policies and practices will continue to support individuals with autism in order to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Here are some ways you can play a role in the community to show your support for individuals with autism:

1. Provide a safe space to make friends, share stories, seek advice and offer support services.
2. Educate others and share information about autism and neurodiversity.
3. Promote inclusivity by involving individuals with autism into social and professional circles.
4. Create social opportunities for individuals with autism to engage in social interaction and foster a sense of community.
5. Organise workshops, support groups, information sessions, and activities and recreations.

 

Every person in this world has the right to live a happy and a comfortable life. Therefore, it is hoped that all parties including policymakers, professionals and community members are able to work together in providing the best support to those with autism by continuing to open spaces and opportunities for them to continue to be members of the community together. 

Dr. Nor Azyati Yusoff

Medical Lecturer & Paediatrician

Department of Paediatrics

Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 07/04/2025 | Updated: 07/04/2025 | nadia_rahman