I think one of the most important ways anyone of us can help is to not only be aware of it, but also to become familiar with it and what it may mean to that individual and their family.
A great example would be to try to understand that the annoying child in the grocery store with his/her seemingly oblivious mother may very well have autism and is just doing what he/she needs to do to self-sooth so he/she can coop with their overstimulating environment. Mom already knows this so take her lead. Give her a warm smile and know that you've made her trip to the store all that much easier.
autismspeaks.org
World Autism Awareness Day expresses deep concern for the prevalence and high rate of autism in children, the consequent developmental challenges it brings, and highlights autism as a growing global health crisis. The day also celebrates the unique skills and talents of people with autism. By bringing together all autism organizations worldwide on this day, we can give a voice to the millions of individuals who are undiagnosed, misunderstood, and looking for help.
Let us join together in our efforts to empower and respond to the needs of the autistic, and inspire compassion, inclusion, and hope vital to their cause.
(http://mb.com.ph/articles/201038/world-autism-awareness-day)
_________ Some history should you be inclined to read more ____________
On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.
This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.
World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.
By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope. (http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/site/c.egLMI2ODKpF/b.3917077/k.186A/About_World_Autism_Awareness_Day.htm)
