Recognising World Autism Awareness Day
Did you know that World Autism Awareness Day is 2 April?
Rockmelon is recognising World Autism Awareness Day by sharing some interesting facts about autism spectrum disorder.
Did you know…
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
- Most children are still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
- Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
- Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
- Children with autism CAN learn. In fact, they can positively fly when given the best support and interventions!
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was established in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly and the very first WAAD was held in 2008. Every year people, communities and organisations come together to recognise and celebrate the unique skills, talents and perspectives individuals on the spectrum bring to the world. This day is also used to raise further global awareness and understanding of the disorder, with a designated theme each year designed to shine a light on some of the barriers that still impact the autism community.
This year the theme for World Autism Awareness Day is ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation’. For many individuals on the autism spectrum, access to affordable assistive technologies helps reduce or overcome barriers to their overall independence and involvement within their community. The UN views the elimination of these barriers as a vital part of ensuring all people on the autism spectrum have the tools and support to exercise their human rights. At present, there are still many barriers in place that make getting access to assistive technologies difficult, such as awareness, availability, affordability and not enough people trained in how to use them. Rockmelon aims to be a affordable, assistive technology and we’ve got big plans for the future!
“On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promote the full participation of all people with autism, and ensure they have the necessary support to be able to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Secretary-General António Guterres
The theme for last year was ‘Empowering women and girls with autism’. One misconception about autism spectrum disorder is that it only affects males. While it is certainly true that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, 1 in 151 girls are identified as having ASD. The disparity between genders is something that is being increasingly discussed. One idea that is becoming more widespread is that perhaps women and girls display symptoms of autism differently to men and boys. For more on this, check out our blog by autism parent, writer and blogger Seana Smith.
Promoting awareness and acceptance
World Autism Awareness day is a day of recognition for the autism community. It is a day we can use to bring to light all the different things that make our children special, but also to highlight the barriers that still exist. By involving the whole community in this global celebration and acknowledgment of autism spectrum disorder, we can all plan and move together towards a more inclusive future. One where all children on the spectrum have access to the support and resources they need to reach their best outcome.
Rockmelon was designed by parents for parents. Our sole mission is to use technology to help families with a child on the spectrum. At Rockmelon, we know that in order to give children their best chance at success, the parents and families who love them need to be supported first. That’s why we’re building a digital platform that will help change the lives of millions of children around the world, starting with our first product, the CONNECT+LEARN.
CONNECT+LEARN will help you bring it all together. Everything you need to give your child the support and guidance to reach their best outcome in one place. Want to find out more? Visit our website and download Rockmelon CONNECT+LEARN from the Australian and New Zealand Apple App Store for a FREE trial!