The purpose of this date — is to emphasize the need to help people suffering from an incurable disease and improve their standard of living. After all, the number of children suffering from autism is high in all regions of the world and has enormous consequences for children, their families, communities and societies.
It is assumed that the day of April 2 should be devoted to the dissemination of information about this disease by specialized government and public organizations —, for example, giving lectures or publishing booklets.
Also, as part of the Day, which every year is dedicated to a specific topic, conferences are held where strategies and approaches regarding issues of guardianship, independence and legal capacity of people living with autism are discussed.
Autism — is a persistent disorder in the development of the nervous system that manifests itself during the first three years of life and does not depend on gender, race or socioeconomic status.
This disease is diagnosed in the presence of three symptoms: lack of social interactions, impaired mutual communication, limited interests and a repetitive repertoire of behavior. Examples of descriptions of these features can be found in historical sources that appeared long before the introduction of the term «autism» itself. For example, Martin Luther's table talk recordings mention a twelve-year-old boy, possibly with severe autism. Symptoms of the disease can also be traced in the descriptions of a «-wild boy from Aveyron» — Mowgli from the 18th century, who lived in the French forests and came to people aged 12 years.
Currently, the world's most widely accepted statistical estimate for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is approximately 1% of the population. According to WHO, the number of children with autism increases by 13% annually%. The causes of ASD are still being studied, including genetic and environmental causes, that is, heredity and the influence of the environment.
The term «autismus» itself was coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eigen Bleuler in 1910 when describing the symptoms of schizophrenia. He based this neo-Latinism, meaning «abnormal narcissism», on the Greek word «auto» («sam»), intending to emphasize the patient’s departure into the world of his own fantasies, any external influence on which is perceived as unbearable importunity«.
But, with adequate support, consideration and benevolence, people suffering from this neurological abnormality can enjoy equal opportunities and participate fully and productively in society.
The UN resolution emphasizes that throughout its history the organization has paid special attention to improving the well-being of people with disabilities, including children with developmental difficulties. Thus, in 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force, reaffirming the fundamental principles of universal rights for all.
• Article «autism: causes of nervous breakdowns»