The 2nd April was World Autism Awareness Day. This is an internationally observed day that takes place every year. The theme this year is 'Assistive Technologies, Active Participation'. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK - that's more than 1 in 100. You can learn more about autism in this introductory video from the National Autistic Society

The 2019 World Autism Awareness Day observance at UN Headquarters in New York focused on 'leveraging the use of assistive technologies for persons with autism as a tool in removing the barriers to their full social, economic and political participation in society, and in promoting equality, equity and inclusion'. Topics discussed included:

• The Internet and digital communities: Levelling the playing field

• Independent living: Smart home technology and more

• Education and employment: Communication and executive functioning

• Telemedicine: Opening the doors to healthcare

• The right to be heard: Political participation and advocacy

Find out more here