Autism: A Day of Awareness

The United States, New Zealand, Hong Kong and other countries around the globe hope to bring understanding to a universal neurological disorder today.   World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), observed every year on April 2, will increase knowledge and consciousness of the disorder, a rising health crisis that is common worldwide and affects millions. Through WAAD, community events will shed light on autism through various educational programs and activities.  There is no cure for autism, thus participants look to promote detection and interference.  Celebrities like Holly Robinson Peete have been outspoken and expressed sincere concern about the disorder. Peete , who has an autistic son, is the first African-American to sit on the board of the advocacy organization Autism Speaks.  World Autism Awareness Day was established in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly. -PS