World Autism Awareness Day

What Is World Autism Awareness Day?

Every April 2nd is "World Autism Awareness Day." It is an international day adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2007, prompted by a proposal from Qatar's royal consort. Its aim is to spread understanding of autism (autism spectrum disorder) and other developmental disabilities and to work toward a society where everyone can live as themselves. In Japan, April 2nd through 8th is designated "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week," and the Japan Executive Committee for World Autism Awareness Day and others hold awareness activities around the country.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism is thought to stem from inborn differences in how the brain works. It is not caused by parenting or by a lack of effort on the person's part.

• Main characteristics: Known characteristics include distinctive ways of communicating with others, strong attachment to or interest in particular things, and heightened (or reduced) sensitivity to sounds, light, and other sensations. How these show up differs greatly from person to person.
• Neurodiversity: The idea of seeing differences in how brains and nerves work not as "something missing" but as part of human diversity is also spreading.

"Light It Up Blue"

Around this day, landmarks around the world are lit up in blue.

• Blue as the symbol color: According to the Japan Executive Committee, the symbol color of autism is blue, representing things like "healing" and "hope." In Japan, too, buildings and landmarks across the country, including Tokyo Tower, are lit in blue.
• A starting point for awareness: When people wonder "why is it blue?", that curiosity becomes a way into learning about autism. It also prompts people to think about reasonable accommodations (adjustments suited to each person) at school and at work.

Interesting Facts About Autism Awareness

• What "spectrum" means: "Spectrum" means a continuum. It expresses that characteristics show up differently in each person, spreading out like a gradation without clear boundaries.
• The name "autism spectrum disorder": In the DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual revised in 2013, autism, Asperger's syndrome, and related diagnoses were combined into "autism spectrum disorder."
• Differences in the sensory world: Some people hear surrounding sounds as too loud or are bothered by flickering fluorescent lights. Small adjustments to the environment, such as using earmuffs or having a quiet place available, can make things easier.
• Communicating visually: Even for people who find purely verbal exchanges difficult, visual information such as picture cards, written words, and step-by-step charts can make communication easier.
• A book written from the inside: Naoki Higashida's "The Reason I Jump," in which an autistic author describes how he experiences the world, has been translated and read overseas as well.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Wear something blue or go see a nearby blue light-up to join the circle of awareness
• Read a book or watch a documentary about autism or developmental disabilities and imagine how autistic people experience the world
• Think about changes that make your workplace or community easier for everyone, such as providing a quiet space or giving clear instructions
• Accept the "different parts" of yourself and the people around you as individuality rather than rejecting them

Each Person's Understanding Can Make Society an Easier Place to Live

April 2nd is a day to think about recognizing each other's differences. The blue light in the streets carries a message: "We want you to know" and "Let's think about this together." Learning about someone's characteristics leads to environments where everyone can work and live more comfortably. At the start of the new fiscal year, why not take a moment to reflect on how you interact with the people around you?