In 2007, the United Nations, spurred by Qatar, established World Autism Awareness Day to shine a light on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promote global understanding and support. Since then, this day has become a beacon of hope for millions worldwide, championing inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with autism.

Why World Autism Awareness Day Matters:

• Raising Awareness: World Autism Awareness Day educates the global community about ASD, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Promoting Inclusion: It highlights the unique talents and perspectives of individuals with autism, advocating for a more inclusive society.
• Advocating for Evidence-Based Policies: The day emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making in policies and practices to support the needs of individuals with autism.
• Empowering Communities: World Autism Awareness Day brings individuals with autism together to share experiences and advocate for change, fostering a sense of community and resilience.

Key facts about Autism:

• Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder ̶ constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain.
• About 1 in 100 children has autism.
• Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
• The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
• Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve communication and social skills, with a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of both autistic people and their caregivers.
• Care for people with autism needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support.

Fundacion Autismo Aruba

The Aruba Autism Foundation, called Fundacion Autismo Aruba is one of the few organizations on the island that works specifically for the interest of people with autism, their families and caretakers.”Fundacion Autismo Aruba” (hereinafter referred to as F.A.A.) was officially founded in June of 2005. The foundation was formed by parents of children with autism, who had personally experienced the lack of an organization to help them navigate life with autism after a diagnosis. 

Autism Awareness in Aruba

FAA conducted a survey under the Aruban population in 2020 to measure the knowledge of the Aruban Community on dealing with people with persons with autism on a daily basis in order to tailor the awareness campaigns to the needs of the Aruban population. 

Significant findings:

• There is limited awareness on the existence of special centers for children with autism, which could indicate that children with ASD may not be receiving the support and services available to them
• The majority of the Aruban public had a positive attitude towards individuals with ASD and their ability to be employed, which creates opportunities for further education on working with individuals with ASD. 
• The majority of the Aruban public had a positive attitude towards individuals with ASD and their ability to attend regular school, highlighting the need for teachers and fellow students to learn how to interact with individuals with ASD and support them in order for them to be able to reach their full potential. 

The survey indicates the Aruban population has a positive attitude towards ASD. The survey also provides substantial evidence of the perception of the Aruban population’s ability or lack thereof, to interact with individuals with ASD. Although there is room for improvement, having a positive attitude towards the subject allows organizations to further educate the Aruban population on the basic understanding of ASD and how to provide these individuals with tools they require to succeed in life. 

Additionally, FAA conducted a survey in 2020 among family members of persons with autism regarding the impact caring with people with autism can have on the family situation in general.

The surveys findings shines a light on families not having enough financial means themselves nor can get enough financial support from official entities to be able to afford the necessary care for their family member with autism. Necessary care for family members with autism can be extensive depending on the necessities of the family member, ranging from Physiscal Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Speech Therapy, Special Education, Nutricional support, sensory toys, etc. Family members, especially the parents experience limited opportunities for self care, and social interaction with family and friends. 

Celebrating Autism Awareness Day 2024: The ‘Call to Action’ UN forum: 

This year, five members of the foundation will be participating in an international forum titled “Call to Action” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, coming April 4th. The Forum is a platform for young people with autism and their families. the United Nations, government leaders, advocacy groups, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to raise awareness on autism and to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with autism. As part of their goal to raise awareness and bring about systemic changes in the well-being of individuals within the autism spectrum, FAA is assisting in this forum to discuss various important points. The FAA delegation will consist of Byron Lesire and Kay Quandus, who will speak as “Self-Advocates,” Stephany van der Biezen-Croes, who will speak as a “Parent Advocate.” President Carolina Thiel-Span, who is in charge of organizing the topics, has been invited to speak from a national management perspective, and will be traveling with the delegation along with Raquel Lesire for support. The topics to be addressed during this forum are based on the “Global Report on developmental Disabilities” by WHO and UNICEF. FAA will focus on some key messages such as:

• Barriers to inclusion and participation in social, economic, and educational areas. Fundacion Autismo Aruba was established in 2005 with the goal of supporting individuals with Autism and their families through awareness campaigns, workshops for parents and educators, and activities specifically for autistic individuals. The foundation is entirely dependent on donations and is constantly looking for members to serve on the board and as volunteers.
• Health inequalities including mental health.
• Effective changes in management and legislation that promote inclusion and protection.
• Barriers to specialized medical care and timely care for children under five years old.
• Barriers in management and legislation for comprehensive care.

In addition to the forum, FAA will also be participating in an art exhibition at the United Nations from April 4th to 9th, 2024, featuring works by Kay Quandus. April is internationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month, and FAA is pleased to be able to participate in a significant way this year. During the month of April, FAA will also be hosting several workshops for adults, youth, and educators on various topics such as “Dating on the Spectrum,” “Self-Advocacy,” and the role of educators in secondary schools.

The World Autism Awareness Day 2024 forum ‘A Call for Action’ can be followed online here:

AMNews recognizes this special day as another celebration of dedication and support to all members of the Autism spectrum and their families.