Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of a child’s life.

According to the National Government website, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar in 2007, to declare April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.

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Shine a light on autism

This day shines a light on autism as a growing global health crisis. Part of this day is the Light It Up Blue campaign, where over 160 countries worldwide get involved in the awareness campaign by lighting up landmarks, buildings and cities all around the world.

Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.

ASD is a neurological disability and people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people.

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The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely impaired. Some people with ASD need high support (a lot of help and intensive intervention) while others need low support (less help and less intensive intervention).

Autism spectrum disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by
• difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication
• repetitive behaviours
• differences in sensory perception.

Source:www.gov.za