Last updated: 1 April 2021

Autism is a particular form of disability unlike all others; knowledge about this condition is still lacking, and the commitment of institutions is insufficient, despite the phenomenon being more common than one might think. The condition is on the rise and affects one child in fifty.

Autism, a day against discrimination

On 2 April, the World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated, established by the United Nations (UN) in 2007. The aim of the day is to shed light on this disability by promoting research and the improvement of services, and by combating the discrimination and isolation that people with autism and their families still suffer.

The mismanagement of autism in Italy

According to research conducted by Censis, Italy is among the European countries that allocate the fewest resources to the social protection of people with disabilities. The lack of preparation often affects schools and the third sector, which are too frequently unable to take care of people with autism, preventing them from having equal educational opportunities and professional development.

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Becoming an adult is typically equated with becoming a full and equal participant in the social, economic and political life of one’s community.

World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2020 is focusing on “The Transition to Adulthood” ✴️
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Landmarks light up blue

On the occasion of the day, events, readings, meetings, conferences and exhibitions are organised around the world to raise awareness among institutions and the public about autism. The dominant colour of the day is blue: the global "Light it up blue" campaign, conceived by the organisation Autism Speaks, is renewed, calling for the main buildings of cities across the world to be lit up in blue as a demonstration of sensitivity towards issues related to autistic disorders. In previous editions, the buildings lit up in blue have included, among others, the Empire State Building in New York, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

Covid-19, a further obstacle for people with autism

This year the day is being celebrated in the midst of the global public health crisis caused by coronavirus, which, in addition to health, puts at risk in particular the rights of people with autism, such as the right to education and work on an equal basis with others. "Universal human rights, including the rights of persons with disabilities, must not be violated in times of a pandemic," stated António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. "Governments have a responsibility to ensure that their measures to address the emergency include people with autism. People with autism must never suffer discrimination when seeking medical care. They must continue to have access to the support systems they need to remain in their homes and communities during times of crisis."

The transition to adulthood

The 2020 edition was dedicated to the transition to adulthood, a delicate passage for all young people and, above all, for people with autism. The aim of the day is to highlight these difficulties and underline the importance of participation in youth culture, self-determination, and access to post-secondary education and employment in order to overcome them. "The realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities is a matter of justice as well as an investment in our future," said the UN Secretary-General.

The 2019 edition

The slogan of the 2019 edition was "assistive technologies, active participation," conceived with the aim of making technology accessible to people with disabilities as well. "We reaffirm our commitment to promoting the full participation of citizens with autism, ensuring that they enjoy the support necessary to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms," declared António Guterres.