April 2 — World Autism Awareness Day

The problem of autism was openly discussed relatively recently — a little over 10 years ago. At the end of 2007, at the initiative of the State of Qatar, a resolution on disseminating information about this issue was adopted at the UN General Assembly. The General Assembly resolution focuses primarily on the problem of autism in children, expressing concern about the high proportion of children with autism and pointing out the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate examination. Since 2008, this day has been celebrated annually on April 2, and this year the celebration will be held for the 12th time. The color blue has become the symbol of the date: in solidarity with those who have experienced life with an autistic person, families all over the world light blue lanterns, and buildings, bridges, and monuments are illuminated in blue. The color blue is intended to highlight the problems of children suffering from this illness, and first and foremost their parents, since they are often doomed to struggle alone with the manifestations of this disease.