Celebrate strengths and unique gifts of people with Autism

Apr 01, 2024

This article was published 1 year ago.

Tuesday 2 April 2024 is World Autism Awareness Day.

This annual event increases awareness of the challenges faced by people living with Autism and their families.

The day is about celebrating the strengths and unique gifts of people with Autism.

The colour blue represents World Autism Awareness Day.

Many people wear blue or turn their social media profile blue, and landmarks and buildings around the world are lit up in blue. Such acts demonstrate inclusion and support of people with autism and their families.

It is also a commitment to keeping the Autism awareness conversation going.

Here are some interesting facts and stats:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2023, 75 million people worldwide have autism spectrum disorder, this is 1% of the world’s population.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of 2021, Autism is estimated to effect 1 in 100 people in Australia.
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning it effects people in different ways.
About one-third of people with Autism have savant skills, meaning they have extraordinary talents in areas such as mathematics, art and music.
Many people with Autism often have excellent long-term memory and superior recall.
People with Autism can have unique thought processes and innovative solutions.

As Health professionals it is important for us to build our knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting people with Autism in a respectful, person first way. We encourage staff to start a conversation with colleagues about Autism awareness, and why not take a look at one of the many Autism websites to learn something new or hear someone’s story. It is everyone’s responsibility to increase understanding and acceptance of people with disability, so let’s do our part.

Your Disability Healthcare Specialists, Sarah & Charity, are here to help. So, if you would like more information about supporting people with disability or the NDIS, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

Contact Sarah: sarahmongan@health.nsw.gov.au or Charity: charityhoneysett@health.nsw.gov.au