When is Autism Awareness Day?

Autism Awareness Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on April 2nd. It is a day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of autism, and the challenges that individuals with autism and their families face. The event is also an opportunity to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with autism, and to promote acceptance and inclusion of those with autism in society.

The history of Autism Awareness Day can be traced back to 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution was proposed by the United Nations Secretary-General and was co-sponsored by a number of countries, including the United States. The resolution called for member states to take measures to raise awareness about autism and to encourage early diagnosis and intervention.

Since then, many countries have adopted the day as an official observance, and events are held worldwide to raise awareness and understanding of autism. The day is an important reminder of the need for early intervention, diagnosis, and support services for individuals with autism and their families.

One of the main goals of Autism Awareness Day is to promote early intervention and early diagnosis of autism. Early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism, as it can help to minimize the effects of the disorder and maximize the individual’s potential. Early intervention may include therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as support services such as parent training and social skills groups.

Many organizations and advocacy groups participate in events and activities to raise awareness and understanding of autism on Autism Awareness Day. This includes events such as walks, runs, and other fundraisers, as well as educational events, such as workshops and seminars. Some organizations may also hold “Light It Up Blue” events, where buildings and landmarks are lit up in blue, the color that represents autism awareness.

In addition to these events, many individuals and families affected by autism also participate in Autism Awareness Day by sharing their stories and experiences, and educating others about autism. Social media platforms have been a great way for people to share their stories, and many people use the hashtags #LightItUpBlue and #AutismAwareness to share their experiences and raise awareness about autism.

Another way that people celebrate Autism Awareness Day is by wearing the color blue, which is the color that represents autism awareness. Many people wear blue clothing or ribbons, and some even paint their faces blue to show their support for individuals with autism.

Many schools and workplaces also participate in Autism Awareness Day by organizing events and activities to raise awareness and understanding of autism. This may include educational workshops, guest speakers, and informational displays. Some schools may also incorporate autism awareness into their curriculum, such as by teaching students about autism and the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

Autism Awareness Day is an important annual event that serves to raise awareness about autism, the challenges that individuals with autism and their families face, and the importance of understanding and accepting individuals with autism. The day is celebrated worldwide and is an opportunity for people to learn more about autism, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and support services for individuals with autism and their families, and promotes acceptance and inclusion of those with autism in society. Through events, activities, and social media, people come together to raise awareness and understanding of autism, and to support individuals with autism and their families. It is a day to celebrate the strengths and capabilities of individuals with autism and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all. It is a day that raises awareness, but also calls for action and change in the way the society treats, includes and helps those with autism.

30 ideas on how to celebrate

Here are 30 ideas for how you and your family can celebrate Autism Awareness Day.

  1. Attend a walk or run event to raise awareness and funds for autism research and support services.
  2. Host a fundraiser event for an autism organization.
  3. Wear blue clothing or accessories to show support for individuals with autism.
  4. Share your story or the story of a loved one with autism on social media using the hashtags #LightItUpBlue and #AutismAwareness.
  5. Attend an educational workshop or seminar to learn more about autism.
  6. Visit a local landmark or building that is lit up blue in honor of Autism Awareness Day.
  7. Volunteer at an autism organization or school.
  8. Make a donation to an autism organization.
  9. Host a sensory-friendly event for individuals with autism and their families.
  10. Educate others about autism by sharing facts and statistics on social media.
  11. Read a book or watch a movie about autism to learn more about the disorder.
  12. Attend a performance or event featuring individuals with autism.
  13. Host a bake sale or other fundraising event to support an autism organization.
  14. Organize a community event or gathering to raise awareness and understanding of autism.
  15. Make a craft or purchase a product made by an individual with autism.
  16. Share resources or information about autism with friends, family, and community members.
  17. Attend a support group or online forum for individuals and families affected by autism.
  18. Make a video or podcast to share your experience with autism or to educate others about the disorder.
  19. Participate in a local or online event organized by an autism organization.
  20. Reach out to local lawmakers and advocate for increased funding and support for individuals with autism and their families.
  21. Host a sensory-friendly playdate for children with autism and their friends.
  22. Visit a local museum or other attraction with autism-friendly accommodations.
  23. Organize a community service project to benefit individuals with autism and their families.
  24. Attend a webinar or online conference about autism.
  25. Share a post or article about autism on social media to raise awareness and understanding.
  26. Make a social story or visual schedule to help a loved one with autism navigate unfamiliar or challenging situations.
  27. Create an autism-friendly sensory garden in your community.
  28. Organize a virtual event such as a webinar or online panel discussion with experts on autism.
  29. Reach out to local schools and advocate for increased autism-specific resources and support.
  30. Participate in a virtual walk or run event to raise awareness and funds for autism.


25 organizations that promote autism awareness

Here are some organizations that celebrate Autism Awareness Day and/or promote autism awareness. This is list NOT exhaustive. 

  1. Autism Speaks: This organization hosts walk events and other fundraisers to raise awareness and funding for autism research and support services.
  2. The Autism Society: This organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with autism and their families.
  3. The National Autistic Society (UK): This organization hosts a variety of events such as walks and runs, and also provides information and support for individuals with autism and their families.
  4. The Autism Science Foundation: This organization raises awareness about autism research and provides funding for autism research studies.
  5. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network: This organization advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with autism and promotes acceptance and inclusion of those with autism in society.
  6. The International Society for Autism Research: This organization promotes research on autism and provides resources and support for individuals with autism and their families.
  7. The Association for Science in Autism Treatment: This organization promotes evidence-based treatments for autism and provides resources for individuals with autism and their families.
  8. The Autism Community in Action: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  9. The Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network: This organization focuses on the unique needs and experiences of autistic women and nonbinary individuals.
  10. The Autism Research Institute: This organization conducts research on autism and provides resources and support for individuals with autism and their families.
  11. The Center for Autism Research: This organization conducts research on autism and provides resources and support for individuals with autism and their families.
  12. The Autism Support Network: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  13. The Autism Parenting Magazine: This organization provides information, resources, and support for parents of children with autism.
  14. The Autism Support Group: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  15. The Spectrum Group: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  16. The Autism Society of America: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  17. The Autism Society of North Carolina: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  18. The Autism Alliance of Michigan: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  19. The Autism Society of Illinois: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  20. The Autism Society of Greater Indiana: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  21. The Autism Society of Oregon: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  22. The Autism Society of Alabama: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  23. The Autism Society of Minnesota: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  24. The Autism Society of Colorado: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
  25. The Autism Society of Canada: This organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families in Canada.

It is important to note that there are many organizations worldwide that celebrate Autism Awareness Day and many more that work on autism awareness, support and advocacy all year round, this list is only a small sample. It is always best to check the availability of the organization in your area and see which one best suits your needs.