This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) event is highlighting youth voices. In a panel discussion titled “The Future is Neurodiverse,” young autistic leaders will share their lived experiences and explore themes of dignity and belonging, exclusion, opportunity, and visions for the future. They will also share a message to global leaders about what they want policymakers to hear and act on.

The panel discussion is part of a WAAD broadcast organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) and supported by the United Nations. ION is a global membership organization dedicated to fostering neurodiversity awareness and advocating for the rights of neurodiverse people.

World Autism Awareness Day was designated by the UN in 2007. It advocates for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of autistic individuals, and it promotes an inclusive future where every autistic person can thrive. The theme of this year’s observance is “Autism and Humanity — Every Life Has Value,” a call to fight misinformation and move beyond limiting narratives.

You can learn more and find links to the broadcast at the United Nations website.