World Autism Awareness Day 2027 is on Friday

About World Autism Awareness Day

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition, linked to how the brain develops, that affects how people communicate, interact and experience the world. It looks very different from one person to the next. World Autism Awareness Day aims to improve public understanding and to support the rights of autistic children and adults in education, work, health care and community life.

In resolution 62/139, adopted on December 18, 2007, the UN General Assembly unanimously designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, to be observed every year starting in 2008. The resolution invited governments, UN bodies and civil society to mark the day in order to raise public awareness of autism, including within families.

The focus of the day has shifted over time. The UN notes that, driven largely by autistic advocates, the movement has expanded from awareness to acceptance, appreciation and inclusion, recognizing what autistic people contribute to their communities. Recent UN observances have been organized with autistic-led groups; the 2026 event was organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity, a neurominority-led organization. In the United States, many organizations also mark April as Autism Acceptance Month.

Sources: United Nations: World Autism Awareness Day, United Nations: World Autism Awareness Day background, General Assembly resolution 62/139 (2007). How we check dates.

How to mark World Autism Awareness Day

• Read a book or article by an autistic author to learn about autism from the inside.
• Ask an autistic friend, coworker or student what helps them, such as clear instructions, quieter spaces or advance notice of changes.
• Plan events with sensory needs in mind by offering a quiet room or lower lights and sound.
• Support autistic-led organizations and advocacy groups.
• If you have questions about your own or your child's development, talk to a doctor or specialist about assessment options.

World Autism Awareness Day dates