In 2007, the United Nations designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to not only raise awareness, but to promote acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion of autistic individuals as well as recognizing the positive contributions they have made to the world.
Recently, there has been an increased movement to understand and advocate for neurodivergent communities. When neurodiversity is embraced, the possibility for more creative, resilient, diverse, and innovative communities expands. When we can understand differences in others better, we can help reduce the stigmatization and discrimination that so often comes along with diverging from the societal “norm.” Raising awareness can also help neurodivergent individuals who have not yet been diagnosed understand their symptoms and needs. When neurodivergent individuals struggle with social skills and communication, it can be difficult to conform to expectations held by organizations that hold neurotypical standards. This can impact access to medical care, social supports, education, employment, and housing. Increasing our awareness and understanding can help autistic individuals get the accommodations they require and deserve.
What Exactly is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions that looks different on everyone and occur regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity. It can include challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Each individual requires different kinds of support and accommodations which can change and develop over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a guide developed by the American Psychiatric Association that classifies and diagnoses conditions related to mental health. In 2013, they published their most recent edition that redefined autism as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and encompasses previously separate conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder.
To learn more about the copious amounts of peer-reviewed scientific research that has proven vaccines do not cause Autism, click here.
Resources in Canada
The Autism Alliance of Canada is an organization that was formed in response to the growing need for guidance in the development and implementation of a national strategy to create systemic change for Autistic people in Canada and their loved ones. Their work focuses on developing policy changes to improve lives and address barriers.
Autism Canada is an organization that delivers programs and provides educational resources for those in the Autism community.
Autism Information Services British Columbia is an organization of autism support specialists that help support and inform families with children who have recently been diagnosed with autism.
The BC Autism Support Network helps families and individuals with autism connect with resources as well as with each other.
UBC Resources
UBC’s Centre for Accessibility provides students with academic accommodations to help remove barriers and improve access to education.
UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility similarly provides resources and accommodations for UBC staff and faculty that have access needs that will make their work more manageable.
Community Events
The Autism Alliance of Canada will be hosting the annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit from April 14-16, 2026 in Ottawa and virtually via livestream. This event brings together people in the Autism community to foster collaboration, inform policy, and strengthen their collective voice.
The United Nations will be hosting a virtual event on April 2nd from 9am-3:40pm EDT with the theme “Autism and Humanity — Every Life Has Value.” Speakers will include autism advocates and experts.
UBC Library
To read more, consider these materials available from the UBC Library:
Donvan, J., & Zucker, C. (2016). In a different key: The story of autism. Crown Publishers.
Grandin, T. (1996). Thinking in pictures: And other reports from my life with autism (1st Vintage Books ed.). Vintage Books.
Higashida, N., Yoshida, K., & Mitchell, D. (2013). The reason I jump: The inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with autism (First ed.). Random House.
Web Sources Consulted