April 2, 2025
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
World Autism Awareness Day is an important day dedicated to spreading awareness about ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and helping people understand what autism is. This helps create an inclusive and more supportive learning environment in school and beyond.
On World Autism Awareness Day, the United Nations encourages and invites its member states (and other organizations) to establish initiatives to raise public awareness of autism on all levels of society.
Did you know? As of 2012, there has been a theme for every World Autism Awareness Day. The UN determines these themes. We have listed the previous themes below:
- 2012 – Raising awareness.
- 2013 – Celebrating the ability within the disability of autism.
- 2014 – Opening doors to inclusive education.
- 2015 – Employment: the autism advantage.
- 2016 – Autism and the 2030 agenda: inclusion and neurodiversity.
- 2017 – Toward autonomy and self-determination.
- 2018 – Empowering women and girls with autism.
- 2019 – Assistive technologies, active participation.
- 2020 – The transition to adulthood.
- 2021 – Inclusion in the workplace.
- 2022 – Inclusive quality education for all.
- 2023 – Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.
- 2024 – Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals share regional perspectives
When is World Autism Awareness Day 2025?
World Autism Awareness Day 2025 falls on Wednesday, April 2nd.
What is the history of World Autism Awareness Day?
The UN established World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. It was proposed by Moza bint Nasser, the United Nations Representative from Qatar.
This specific resolution was passed and adopted without a vote in the UN General Assembly, mainly because it acted as a supplement to previous United Nations initiatives to improve human rights.
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated every year on April 2nd and is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days. The day brings organizations and people together to promote the research, diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance of those affected by ASD. It is also a celebratory day that commemorates the achievements of autistic people.