On World Autism Acceptance Day, people around the globe celebrate the diversity of human experience and the value of inclusion. This year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value”, celebrates the significance of ensuring that every child, caregiver, and life counted.
Globally, 1 in 127 people is diagnosed with autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication and behaviour. Autism is among the top 10 brain health conditions contributing to health loss globally.
Despite international human rights conventions, autistic people still face stigma, discrimination and barriers to participation. Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequalities across the life course.
In concordance with this, the United Nations is holding a webinar on 27 April to celebrate the launch of a new WHO Caregiver Well-Being Training for children with developmental delays and neurodevelopmental conditions that focuses on practical ways to support caregivers in improving the delivery and quality of inclusive care and ensuring that children and families receive the support, care, and empowerment they deserve.
By supporting caregiver knowledge and empowerment, this training seeks to build inclusive communities where inclusion is a reality, not an aspiration, and where every child and caregiver can flourish.
