June 18 is celebrated as Autistic Pride Day every year, around the world. This day allows raising awareness among people about Autism Spectrum Disorder so that people do not count Autism as a disadvantage but simply treat an individual with autism as unique.
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated to respect the rights of people with autism. People with autism commonly face discrimination and stigma, and their human rights are violated. Autistic Pride Day and Autistic Awareness Day are celebrated to stop such discrimination. There is a concept which is supported by many that autism be treated as neurodiversity and not disorder. Autistic Pride Day is in fact a day dedicated to neurodiversity, and celebrating rather than extinguishing individual differences
According to the data by World Health Organisation (WHO), one in 160 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. WHO urges the parents whose child has autism to treat them properly, and create an environment in the home which supports their child. Parents must treat them equally and should engage them in normal life activities like – cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc. Parents must give a happy life to a child with autism as people with Autism Spectrum Disorder require a lot of care, compassion and commitment, said the top health body.
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In our society, people with autism (or any other disabilities) are stigmatized, people not only ignore them but also harass them. Therefore, this day focuses on raising awareness that kids (people) with this handicap can also live their life with dignity.
For the first time, Autistic Pride Day was celebrated in the year 2005 by Aspies for Freedom. This year, amid coronavirus pandemic the day would be predominantly celebrated virtually.
How Autistic Pride Day is celebrated?
On this day autistic people participate in various events and their families share their success stories.
We must remember that everyone is special in their own way and we must respect each and every individual.
Happy Autistic Pride Day, they look ‘little different’ to us but are very much ‘normal’!