DUSHANBE, April 4, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Humanitarian activities dedicated to mark World Autism Awareness Day were organized in Dushanbe on April 2 and 3.

The initiative members included parents of children with autism and representatives of the Dushanbe youth, students from local universities and employees of the Dushanbe-based NGOs responded to the call for supporting children with autism.

The activities were sponsored by a number of local public associations and enterprises, including Dushanbe International Airport, R-Service, Kurush, TB-Service, Humo and Aqiqa.

World Autism Awareness Day has been held every year since 9 September 1989.  It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution “62/139. World Autism Awareness Day,” adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.

The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) Resolution had four main components: 1) the establishment of 2 April as WAAD; 2) participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD; 3) raise awareness of Autism on all levels in society; and 4) Secretary-General of UN should deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.

To that end, there is currently a web site “World Autism Awareness Day” that provides materials and suggestions on how to participate in WAAD as well as a list of current activities different countries and organizations are conducting to celebrate WAAD.