page_title: Autism rights movement
section_title: World Autism Day
hierarchical_section_title: Autism rights movement / Events and public recognition / World Autism Day
caption_attribution_description: Light it Up Blue - World Autism Awareness Day
context_page_description: The autism rights movement, also known as the autistic culture movement or the neurodiversity movement, is a social movement within the context of disability rights that emphasizes a neurodiversity paradigm, viewing the autism spectrum as a result of natural variations in the human brain rather than a "disease" to be cured. The movement advocates for several goals, including greater acceptance of autistic behaviors; services that focus on improving quality of life rather than on imitating the behaviors of neurotypical peers; and the recognition of the autistic community as a minority group.
  Autistic rights or neurodiversity advocates believe that the autism spectrum should be accepted as a natural expression of the human genome, and accommodated like any other condition. This perspective is distinct from two other views: the medical perspective, that autism is caused by a genetic defect and should be addressed by targeting the autism gene, and fringe theories that autism is caused by environmental factors such as vaccines.
context_section_description: World Autism Day, also called World Autism Awareness Day, is marked on 2 April. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly at the end of 2007. On 2 April 2009, activists left 150 strollers near Central Park in New York City to raise awareness that one in 150 children is estimated to be autistic.
  There are many celebration activities all over the world on 2 April—World Autism Day. "Autism knows no geographic boundaries—it affects individuals and families on every continent and in every country," said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of the group Autism Speaks. "The celebration of World Autism Awareness Day is an important way to help the world better understand the scope of this health crisis and the need for compassion and acceptance for those living with autism. This remarkable day—the first of many to come—promises to be a time of great hope and happiness as we work to build a global autism community."
caption: Minnesota governor Mark Dayton declared the World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April 2013
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