The World Autism Day is being observed today.

This year the theme is "Empowering Women and Girls with Autism". 

Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message "On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promote the full participation of all people with autism, and ensure they have the necessary support to be able to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms."

It is a spectrum disorder and has many variations. However, for general understanding it is a condition among children characterised by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

According to estimation, one in every 50 children in Pakistan can be autistic which is much higher than other parts of the world. Autism Society of Pakistan says the number of autistic children in the country is 350,000.

The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution passed on November 1, 2007. United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.