The draft resolution would designate every April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day and ask all countries, U.N. bodies, international organizations and non-governmental groups to take steps to raise awareness
of Autism. It calls autism “a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life and results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.” It mainly affects children and is characterized “by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and restrictive, repetitive behavior, interests and activities,” the draft says.

The draft resolution expresses deep concern at “the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.”