In little over 10 years, World Autism Awareness Day (with its many themes) has managed to: transform international skylines, fundraise millions for charity and build awareness of one spectrum-spanning condition impacting lives around the globe. But, when it comes to World Autism Awareness Day’s true triumphs, did you know that this is only the tip of the iceberg?
Featuring annually updated explanations of the impact of World Autism Awareness Day, its themes and how you can get involved, this page is your one-stop shop for any answer you could need regarding the most important date on the autistic calendar.
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
Set up in the distant past of December 2007, World Autism Awareness Day takes place on 2nd April every year and is one of only 4 official health days set up by the United Nations (the other three being ‘World Diabetes Day‘, ‘World Mental Health Day‘ and ‘World AIDS Day‘).
Although every year carries its own individual message (with 2018 focusing on females on the spectrum), at its heart, World Autism Awareness Day is a community-wide event, which rather than raising awareness of what autism actually is, aims to highlight the achievements and possibilities which autistic people are capable of.
Within the space of only 10 years, there have been some incredible moments surrounding World Autism Awareness Day, with perhaps the most notable (and controversial) being the Light It Up Blue initiative.
Light It Up Blue is an annual event that started in 2010 and aims to raise awareness of autism by encouraging businesses, homes and iconic world landmarks to illuminate their sites in blue lighting on 2nd April. Since the very first Light It Up Blue event, the campaign has been popular, with the Empire State Building, The London Eye and The Christ the Redeemer statue, in Brazil, all taking part at various points.
Light It Up Blue has also become prominent on social media over the years, with many celebrities sharing images on the day of themselves wearing blue, in solidarity with the autism community and using the hashtag #LightItUpBlue. A few of the famous names which have taken part are:
- Sia
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Bill Nye
- Danny Trejo
- P!nk
- Hilary Duff
- David Guetta
- Freddie Highmore
- Kelly Rowland
- And, of course, The Blue Man Group
[Although, I’m aware Light It Up Blue comes from the always contentious Autism Speaks, I feel that if (and that’s a big ‘if’), we can separate the product from its source, then Light it up Blue has the reach, the potential and the possibility to transcend any one person or charity – as demonstrated by the many Light It Up Blue fundraisers which take place on W.A.A.D. for associations unconnected with Autism Speaks.]
(Photo Credit: Autism Speaks)
What is #RedInstead?
Due to the unfortunate origins of the Light it up Blue campaign, many within the autistic community have adopted a new colour to draw awareness of autism on April 2nd: Red
Much like Light it up Blue, ‘Red Instead’ encourages anyone who wishes to support autistic people on April 2nd to wear red clothing and put up red lighting to raise awareness (and potentially fundraise) for autism and autism-related charities around the world.
Although only a few years old (as it began in 2015) Red Instead has quickly become the go-to representation for many autistic people on World Autism Awareness Day as, unlike the puzzle piece logo or the multicoloured ribbon, many state that red was chosen by the autistic community instead of charities representing people with autism.
As such, popular hashtags which supporters of Red Instead use include: #PeopleNotPuzzles, #NothingAboutUSWithoutUS and the more forthcoming #BoycottAutismSpeaks (as well as #RedInstead).
What is World Autism Awareness Week?
World Autism Awareness Week is an annual event founded by the National Autistic Society, which takes place in the week leading up to World Autism Awareness Day. Probably created after someone realised that 7 days of celebration is indeed better than 1, Autism Awareness Week is a time when many people (including myself) put on their fundraising hats and start raising money for all the incredible charities out there.
Previous examples of ways in which people have taken part in World Autism Awareness Week have included:
- Night Walks
- Onesie wearing days
- Runs
- Auctions
- Discos
- Skydiving
- Bungee Jumping
But in reality, if it raises money (and is legal) then you probably can (and should) do it!
Although there is definitely a heavy fundraising element linked to these 7 days (which start on the 26th March), it’s important to remember that, whatever you do, you’re not just doing this just to keep a charity’s lights on, as at the centre of World Autism Awareness Day will always be Autism Awareness.
[At this point I want to stress the importance of researching any charity before choosing to donate, as a small number of organisations out there, may use your hard earned money for what may be considered less than reputable causes. I’m not going to point fingers at any one in particular, but it should also be stated that this is not solely related to autism charities.]
(Photo Credit: National Autistic Society)
What is this Year’s World Autism Awareness Day Theme (2020)?
‘The Transition to Adulthood’
Autism isn’t something we simply grow out of, so why is it that so little support exists for autistic people once we become old enough to buy beer? This is the question which will be discussed at W.H.O. HQ this year (although probably with different wording) and, provided the head honchos over there manage to find some time to speak, given the current Coronavirus catastrophe, we are likely to hear about the following subjects:
- Post-secondary education
- Employment
- Independent living
In an effort to contribute to this end goal, my World Autism Awareness Day pledge this year will be to create a guide/resource that will support ageing autists and, unlike last year’s promise (to build a list of the 10 Technologies Transforming Autistic Lives), I additionally pledge not to wait until the very last minute to create it (link to follow)
(‘Here’s to World Autism Awareness Day’ – Photo Credit: Warner Brothers)
Carry on the Conversation
What are your plans for World Autism Awareness Day? Let me know in the comments below!
As always, I can be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
If you like what you have seen on the site today, then show your support by liking the Autistic & Unapologetic Facebook page and signing up to the Autistic & Unapologetic newsletter (found on the sidebar on laptops and underneath if you are reading this via mobile).
Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
