Trump declares April 2 World Autism Awareness Day

United States President Donald Trump on Monday proclaimed April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day in a bid to recognise and support children and adults suffering from autism spectrum disorder.

As per a proclamation published on the White House official site on Monday, the World Autism Day shall be observed to "honour their (Autistics) accomplishments and recommit to ensuring that they enjoy the same opportunities to fulfil their potential that all Americans deserve".

"The White House focused on identifying and diagnosing the symptoms of autism in both children and adults at an early stage further ensuring effective care, critical resources, and support services," the statement read.

 

As part of the official proclamation Trump said, "To further these important goals, I was pleased to sign into law the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act, which will provide a national framework to support families as they care for loved ones with ASD and other similar conditions".

Earlier in January Trump had signed the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act as part of which a national framework has been formed to support the families caring for those suffering from ASD or other maladies.

"Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of ASD, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with ASD to reach their full potential", Trump added.

As per the White House, millions of adults and an estimated one out of every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of ASD.

Due to this the US Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with the Autism CARES Act of 2014 and in coordination with other executive departments and agencies, has released a report that details services available for young people with ASD as they leave secondary education to help them transition to adulthood.