The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, is asking for a renewed commitment to create a more equal and inclusive world in his message that marks World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday.
This year’s theme – Neurodiversity advance and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts.
The objective is to show how inclusive policies and practices can promote a positive change for autistic people worldwide and contribute to realizing the SDGs.
Isolation, stigma and inequality
“People with autism often experience isolation, stigma and inequality. They have denied medical care and education, especially during crises, and their legal capacity has not been recognized and excessive“Said the secretary general.
“Such discrimination contravenes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the commitment of the Sustainable Development Goals of not leaving anyone behind. You must change“He added.
Autism, or autistic spectrum disorder, constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain, according to an informative sheet of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The characteristics can be detected in early childhood, which imply a certain degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication, however, the diagnosis often occurs until much later.
The discredited vaccine link
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide have autism. The available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors, they said.
The UN agency said Extensive investigation for many years has shown that the measles vaccine, papers and rubella does not cause autism.
“The studies that were interpreted as indicating such a link were defective and Some of the authors had not declared prejudices That influenced what they reported on their investigation, ”said the information sheet.
In addition, evidence also shows that other children’s vaccines do not increase the risk.
Varied life experiences
The skills and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time, who explained. While some may live independently, others have severe disabilities and require attention and support for life.
Autism also often has an impact on education and employment opportunities, while families can face significant demands to provide care and support.
The general secretary emphasized that governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote full participation of people with autism in society.
“We need inclusive health and education systems, work environments and urban design, to ensure that people with autism have the same opportunity to prosper,” said.
“On the World Autism Consciousness Day, we commit to creating a world where no person with autism is left behind,” concluded his message.
Commitment to diversity
Throughout its history, the UN has celebrated diversity and has promoted the rights and well -being of people with disabilities, including learning differences and developmental disabilities.
For example, the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, who entered into force in 2008, reaffirms the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all.
That same year, the UN General Assembly, which brings together all 193 Member States, unanimously declared on April 2 as the World Day of Autism Consciousness to improve the quality of life of people with autism so that they can lead complete and significant lives as an integral part of society.
