This year’s theme focuses on:
Neurodiversity for a Better Tomorrow. It encourages embracing neuro-diversity and creating an inclusive world.
Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by impaired social behaviour, distorted communication, and repetitive movements. It may affect any individual from any social, cultural or economic background.
It is noticed in early childhood and comes with a variety of traits. Some may have difficulty in speech or sensory processing or digestive disorders, while some have anxiety syndrome.
Many have outstanding talents in music or art, or other intellectual fields. No two people have the same characteristics. One in 100 globally has ASD. In India it is estimated that there could be 2 million cases.
Many famous people have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Anthony Hopkins, a famous actor was one such person. Henry Cavendish, scientist, Emily Dickinson, poet, Elon Must entrepreneur, chess master Bobby Fischer, Bill Gates, Michael Angelo, Charles Darwin and many others were said to have had autism characteristics.