Observing World Autism Awareness Day!

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by behavioral and communicational affections that impact a person’s ability to navigate social interactions and also causes repetitive and restricted behavior. It affects more than 2 percent of American adults and 1 in every 54 children.

 

Every year since 2008, United Nations (UN) member states have been encouraged to observe World Autism Awareness Day in order to raise awareness of autism and Asperger’s syndrome around the world.

Since 2012, World Autism Awareness Day has had a different theme, selected by the UN. This year’s World Autism Awareness Day 2021 theme is ‘Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World’

The UN said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened glaring inequalities around the world, especially when it comes to income and wealth distribution, access to health care, protection under the law, and political inclusion.

“Persons with autism have long faced many of these inequalities, which have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic. It’s a problem made worse by long recognized discriminatory hiring practices and workplace environments that present major obstacles for persons with autism; all of which contribute to the unemployment or severe underemployment of a large majority of adults on the autism spectrum.”

This year’s theme of “Inclusion in the Workplace” is especially close to those of us at WCI. We are proud of each and every Individual we serve as they continue to contribute their unique skills and talents in our workforce!