It was in 2007—nearly 20 years ago—that the United Nations declared April 2 to be World Autism Awareness Day. Although the topic was already in the spotlight in the United States in the 1970s, and subsequently everywhere else, it remains essential to approach autism from the perspective of inclusion in 2026. Even today, many people view someone living with autism-related challenges as different—and, more importantly, incapable of contributing to the progress of our society. And yet, Elon Musk, Greta Thunberg, Anthony Hopkins, Sia, and Courtney Love are all well-known figures who have made their mark in their respective fields, and who must navigate the challenges that autism presents.
What is autism? Even today, many researchers studying the subject struggle to identify the causes of autism. Some see it as a result of genetics, while others point to environmental factors that pose ongoing challenges to an individual’s neurological development. When we talk about the autism spectrum, we’re referring to different levels of severity, ranging from mild to severe.
The topic of verbal and nonverbal communication is addressed because people living with this condition do not always pick up on everything that is implied, for example. Furthermore, what is known as social reciprocity is often lacking. It is therefore easier to name things directly, without allusions or implications. For some, the range of interests is narrower, but their level of performance in more specific interests will be higher than that of the average person. On an emotional level, there are sometimes few emotional cues, and rational, structured interactions are often preferred, as they are less anxiety-inducing.
For some, the range of interests is narrower, but their level of proficiency in those specific interests is higher than average. On an emotional level, there are sometimes few points of reference, and interactions For families supporting autistic individuals, despite increased support from society or charitable foundations, challenges remain numerous. It is a constant struggle to facilitate the integration and inclusion of these individuals into society. Some must invest more money and time to find the right resources. Sometimes, parents of autistic children may have to put their careers on hold to care for their child. Time for the couple becomes scarce, and psychological distress can be greater. Interactions with the school environment are also affected, as some institutions do not always have the necessary resources to adequately support students with specific needs.
In 2019, the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY) reported that one in fifty people aged one to 17 had autism spectrum disorder. Nearly 78% of these individuals had both minor and major needs in school settings. We cannot ignore the presence of these individuals in our society. On the contrary, it is high time to recognize the richness they can bring. It is never too late to learn, raise awareness, and support those in need. In 2026, I wish for the greatest possible inclusion and happiness for people living with autism.
References:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html
Qu’est-ce que l’autisme? – Fédération québécoise de l’autisme (French only)
Les conditions de vie des familles et l’inclusion | Réseau national d’expertise en trouble du spectre de l’autisme (RNETSA) (French only)
Respectfully submitted by,
UVAE’s National Human Rights Committee
