Africa: World Autism Awareness Day 2025 - Sustainable Development Must Include Neurodivergent Perspectives

**United Nations** — In 2007, the UN General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). This day aims to promote inclusion and human rights for autistic individuals. Autistic advocates have worked hard to bring their experiences into global discussions.

This year, WAAD was marked by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC). They held an event titled "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." The goal was to highlight how neurodivergent individuals intersect with sustainable practices worldwide.

The event featured discussions among policymakers, neurodivergent advocates, and global experts. They aimed to enhance inclusivity in healthcare, education, and urban development. WAAD 2025 also acknowledged the contributions of the autistic community to society.

To achieve the SDGs by 2030, governments must support all communities. Progress in sustainability should include those affected by legislative changes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that development is not sustainable if it is unfair or exclusive.

"Inclusion is central to the SDGs," said Maher Nasser from UN-DGC. He emphasized that implementation must reach all societal segments regardless of gender, race, or disability. Overcoming discrimination against marginalized groups is essential for progress.

During the meeting, speakers discussed inequalities faced by autistic individuals. Many harmful stereotypes still exist, hindering societal acceptance and perpetuating discrimination. These barriers erase neurodivergent contributions to society.

Argentinian author Alan Robinson shared his experiences as an autistic individual. He noted a gradual change in social consciousness about autism but acknowledged ongoing tensions. Some artistic expressions from the autistic community are still misclassified as Art Brut.

Robinson mentioned that many communities now view autism as an identity rather than a disorder. This perspective promotes social acceptance and inclusivity.

A key focus during the event was neurodivergent experiences in the workplace. Most workplaces are designed for neurotypical individuals only. Traditional professionalism often disadvantages neurodivergent people due to long interviews and lack of accommodations.

Anjaneya Sharma, a student on the panel, discussed workplace treatment of neuro-minorities. He highlighted labeling without understanding as a major barrier. Sharma hopes for a culture where neuro-minorities are understood rather than judged during social interactions.

A 2020 study found that half of office managers felt uncomfortable hiring neurodivergent employees. It also revealed that inflexible work environments lead to underperformance among these employees compared to their peers. According to statistics, workers with disabilities were less likely to hold higher-ranking positions.

Autistic and neurodivergent individuals face significant challenges accessing basic healthcare services too. Medical environments are primarily designed for neurotypical patients. Neurodivergent patients often struggle to communicate their medical needs effectively.

Healthcare personnel may lack training in treating these patients and require specialist assistance.