April 2 is World Autism Day
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik

ASA calls for global recognition of human rights for individuals with ASD

Today, April 2, marks the first World Autism Awareness Day. The Autism Society of America commends the United Nations for its recognition of autism issues in today’s global society.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. To date, there is no global survey or study on prevalence. Individuals on the autism spectrum and their families struggle daily to advocate for basic health care, education and community acceptance that should be their natural rights as humans, yet they are systematically discriminated against and subjected to global abuses. ASA calls for the nations of the world to support its Declaration of the Human Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“We will know we have succeeded when people on the autism spectrum become an accepted part of the human condition,” said ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman. “While this goal may take a generation to achieve, the global community should aim for nothing less, and it is imperative that we begin to work toward that goal today.”

ASA also commends champions in the U.S. Congress for their support of the Global Autism Assistance Act in recognition of this important issue. In February 2008, a bi-partisan group of legislators introduced this landmark legislation in the House of Representatives, and it is set to be introduced in the Senate this week. The bill will establish a global health and education grant program related to autism spectrum disorders and provide support to families, educational institutions, clinics and medical centers in developing nations.