- This event has passed.
World Autism Day
2 April All day
Since the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, the UN has worked to promote the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society. Over the years, significant progress has been made, driven in large part by autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experiences of autistic individuals to the forefront of global discussions.
The 2007 General Assembly resolution (A/RES/62/139) highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism. Today, the global movement has expanded beyond awareness to actively promote acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion, recognizing the contributions autistic people make to their communities and the world at large.
The 2026 World Autism Awareness Day Observance
The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), held under the theme “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future. At a time when misinformation and regressive rhetoric about the lives of autistic people is resurfacing, this year’s virtual event is a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognise the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person.