Activists mark World Autism Awareness Day

AMMAN — On World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), Jordanian autism advocates and activists share their hope for a world with greater inclusion of all people.

This year’s WAAD, observed annually on April 2, focused on autistic people’s contributions in their homes, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.

The UN notes that autism is “a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status”.

Amal Al Shaer, who is an autism rights advocate and a mother of an autistic child, told The Jordan Times on Sunday that it is increasingly important that autistic individuals are understood and accepted in order for them to feel an increased sense of belonging.

Further, she expressed that “parents with autistic children have their own story that includes their very own set of challenges and struggles”. For Shaer, attending autism support groups along with several trainings have helped her better support her child throughout the years.

“It is not only to do what they need, it is to understand them so they can thrive,” she said.

Mahmoud Bilal, a Jordanian physician, told The Jordan Times that there are other conditions that frequently coincide with autism, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, social isolation, as well as many other comorbid conditions. 

With the right framework and support systems, people who have autism can reach their full potential and thrive, Bilal noted.

“And when autistic people are recognised, they are empowered to comfortably live their lives as part of a community,” he said.

The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as WAAD to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as a vital part of society, according to the UN website.