World Autism Awareness Day 2026: World Autism Day is celebrated every year on this day i.e. 2 April 2026. The purpose behind celebrating this day is to increase awareness among people about problems like Autism and to give people correct information about this disorder. First of all, know that this is not a disease but a disorder. It is called a disorder which cannot be eradicated. It is simply controlled. Let us know everything in detail about autism in this report.

What is autism and why is it called a spectrum disorder?

Dr. Vineet Banga, Director of Neurology Department at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad, says that autism is a neurological disorder, that is, it is a condition to the development of the brain. It is also called autism spectrum disorder. It usually appears in childhood and affects the child or person’s behavior, ability to communicate, and social relationships.

Early symptoms of autism in children

• Children affected with autism may have difficulty talking to others, expressing or understanding their emotions.
• Such children are never able to talk with eye contact.
• They may repeat the same behavior over and over again, such as waving hands or becoming overly interested in one thing.
• Its symptoms may vary from person to person, hence it is called a spectrum.
• These people find it difficult to play or make friends with other children.

What are the hidden causes of autism?

According to health experts, the exact cause of autism is not completely clear yet but it is said that genetic and environmental reasons may be responsible behind it. In some cases, infection during pregnancy, nutritional deficiency or age- factors may also play a role. It’s not anyone’s upbringing or parents’ fault.

How will it be prevented?

According to doctors, it is not possible to completely prevent autism, but it can help if some precautions are taken. For this, women should take a balanced diet during pregnancy, check up with their doctor regularly and stay away from harmful substances (like alcohol, smoking) during pregnancy. Along with this, it is very important to pay attention to the initial development of the child and seek expert advice immediately if symptoms appear.

Important advice for parents

Health experts advise all parents of affected children to understand that autism cannot be completely cured, but with the right therapy, education and support, the child’s development can be improved. Follow the advice of experts and keep meeting them when needed. The most important things to take care of children suffering from this disorder are understanding, patience and love.