Learn about #WAUD2025

What is autism and World Autism Understanding Day?

Do you know what autism is? Do you know what to say if someone tells you they are Autistic? Do you know what to do to make them feel more supported?

Welcome to World Autism Understanding Day 2025 (#WAUD2025) - an annual campaign developed in partnership with the autism and Autistic communities to create a more supportive, inclusive and autism-friendly Australia.

In 2007, the United Nations declared 2 April a World Autism ‘Awareness’ Day. At Aspect, we changed this to World Autism ‘Understanding’ Day. We want to challenge myths and misconceptions to help Australians better understand autism and create small, but meaningful changes so that Autistic people have the same opportunities and support as everybody else.

It is estimated that in Australia 1 in 40 people are on the autism spectrum. Each year, awareness and understanding of autism grows, but we still have a long way to go. According to a Feb2025 YouGov survey, only half of all Australians believe they have a good understanding of autism, and 33% do not know how to respond if someone tells them they are Autistic.

This year, through our campaign - "If you learn I’m Autistic, I want you to… know, say, do" we invite you to learn more about autism from the perspective of Autistic people, and what you can do or say to be supportive and inclusive.

Each category features curated stories, podcasts, videos and fact sheets about what autism looks like in everyday life and how we can positively interact and support Autistic people in our community.

Thank you for visiting Aspect on World Autism Understanding Day 2025. Enjoy exploring our resources and together, let’s build a more inclusive Australia.