Autistic Pride Day

Every year on June 18, the whole world celebrates Autistic Pride Day – a special date when people with an autism spectrum disorder can be proud of who they are and openly declare themselves. This holiday was created so that people with autism do not perceive themselves as sick or cut off from society.

History

Autistic Pride Day was first in 2005 at the initiative of Aspies For Freedom. The mission of the holiday is to give people with autism one day when they can feel pride in being different from other people, and to tell the world that autism is not a disease or a problem for society, but an unusual, unique set of personal characteristics.

Interesting Facts

• Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the development of the brain. It is not easy for a person with ASD to communicate with people and interact socially.
• Manifestations of autism can be seen in a child under three years old – they do not accept changes, behave in repetitive ways, and new places and crowds of people can confuse and disturb them.
• Autism cannot be prevented because during pregnancy, the doctor cannot determine the presence of the disorder.
• Autistic Pride Day is not held by charitable foundations, but by people with ASD – autism spectrum disorder. The symptoms of autism manifest themselves in different ways and in different combinations.
• Autism is diagnosed 4 times more often in boys, the prevalence of the disorder is 1 in 250 children, and approximately 40% of children with autism cannot speak.

How to Take Part

• Read more about people with autism; they are very deep, unusual, empathetic people. For two decades, the number of people with this diagnosis has been increasing.
• Take part in thematic events, like lectures and seminars.

When is Autistic Pride Day in 2024?

Autistic Pride Day is observed on June 18 each year.

Observations