The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, calls for a renewed commitment to create a more equal and inclusive world in his message marking World Autistic Awareness Day on Tuesday.
This year theme – Advance neurodiversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global efforts of sustainability.
The objective is to show how inclusive policies and practices can stimulate a positive change for autistic individuals around the world and help make SDGs a reality.
Isolation, stigma and inequality
“Autistic people often experience isolation, stigma and inequalities. They were denied health care and education – especially during crises – and their legal capacity has not been recognized and exceeded“Said the secretary general.
“Such discrimination contravenes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the commitment of sustainable development objectives to leave no one behind. He must change“, He added.
Autism, or disorder of the autism spectrum, constitutes a diversified group of conditions related to the development of the brain, according to a information sheet of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The characteristics can be detected in early childhood, involving a certain degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication, but the diagnosis often occurs until much later.
Unmasked vaccine link
It is estimated that around 1 in 100 children in the world has autism. Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors, which said.
The United Nations agency noted that In -depth research over several years has shown that the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella does not cause autism.
“The studies which have been interpreted as indicating such a link have been imperfect, and Some of the authors had undeclared prejudices This influenced what they reported on their research, “said the information sheet.
In addition, evidence also shows that other infant vaccines do not increase the risks.
Varied life experiences
The capacities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time, which has explained. While some can live independently, others have serious handicaps and require life care and support.
Autism also often has an impact on education and employment possibilities, while families can face important requests in providing care and support.
The Secretary -General stressed that governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote the full participation of autistic people in society.
“We need inclusive health and education systems, work and urban design environments – to guarantee that people who are equal to prosper”, “ He said.
“World Autism Awareness Day, we recommend creating a world where no autistic person is left behind,” concluded his message.
Commitment to diversity
Throughout its history, the UN celebrated the diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of disabled people, including learning differences and developmental disorders.
For example, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2008, reaffirms the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all.
The same year, the United Nations General Assembly – which brings together the 193 Member States – said unanimously on April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day to improve the quality of life of autistic people so that they can lead a complete and significant life as an integral part of society.
