Every once in a while, we all come across people with special needs, often times, these people are children too- autistic, needing a little more patience, extra care and the biggest love we can muster, one of such special need is Autism.
People living with Autism often have repeated, restricted, and sometimes inflexible patterns of behavior, as well as encounter difficulties in social interactions and communication. This is due to the fact that their nervous system, which includes their brain and spinal cord, encounters some hindrances during developmental stages.
Imagine your brain is like a TV with many channels. Most people’s brains are tuned to the same few channels, so they see and understand the world in a similar way. But some people like those with autism, have different channels that others might not even know exist. This means that they might hear sounds louder, see colors brighter, or feel textures more intensely than others.
When it comes to communication, for an autistic person, talking to people might feel like trying to understand a new language every day. They might love doing the same things over and over because it makes them feel safe, and some might not talk much, while others might talk a lot about their favorite things!
Every year on April 2nd, the world comes together to mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)—a day dedicated to raising awareness about Autism, advocating for the rights of autistic individuals, and pushing for greater inclusion in all aspects of society. Over time, the conversation has evolved from mere awareness to acceptance, support, and empowerment for autistic individuals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and perceive the world. It is called a spectrum because it varies widely among individuals, some may require significant support, while others may live independently and excel in their careers. Despite the growing awareness of autism, many autistic individuals still face stigma, discrimination, and exclusion from key areas of life such as education, healthcare, and employment.
World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to encourage awareness and action in support of individuals on the autism spectrum. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, with individuals, organizations, and governments using the day to highlight the strengths of autistic individuals, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for policies that promote inclusion.
World Autism Day helps to promote acceptance and inclusion, push for policy change, empower autistic individuals by amplifying the voices of autistic people, and also helps build self-advocacy and empowerment for the persons living with autism.
The United Nations’ theme for 2025 is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” This theme highlights the need to recognize and embrace neurological differences while ensuring that policies and initiatives align with the broader goals of sustainable development, such as quality education by advocating for inclusive education systems that accommodate autistic students; decent work opportunities and economic growth by ensuring that workplaces are accessible and welcoming to autistic employees; and reduced inequalities by fighting discrimination and ensuring equal rights for autistic individuals in healthcare, law, and social settings.
By linking autism advocacy to the SDGs, this theme calls for practical steps toward creating a more inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly society. One of the major global campaigns tied to World Autism Day is “Light It Up Blue,” where people wear blue, and landmarks worldwide are illuminated in blue to show solidarity with the autism community.
People living with Autism are faced with several challenges including stigmatization, limited access to diagnosis and therapy, educational barriers because many schools lack inclusive education programs, trained teachers, or learning accommodations, workplace discrimination, social and mental health struggles due to social difficulties and stigma, many autistic individuals experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
But here’s the good news, Autistic people are not just special but talented. Autistic people think in ways that others don’t. Some are amazing at remembering details, solving puzzles, or spotting things others miss. So, autism isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a different way of experiencing the world.
One of such talented individual is a 14 years old Nigerian artist, who just broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Art Canvas by an Individual. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke started painting at five, one year after he was diagnosed with non-verbal Autism. While many kids his age were learning to talk, Kanye was already expressing himself through colors and abstract designs.
Kanyeyachukwu has been pushing the boundaries of what it means to be Autistic, winning laurels that confirm to his talent and skill as an artist. His work has been showcased in galleries across the world, from Nigeria to Europe and the U.S., earning him the nickname “Young Picasso.” His art is not just visually striking, it’s a powerful way for him to communicate emotions and ideas that words cannot fully capture.
His artwork is set to be revealed and displayed at Abuja, Nigeria, today, to not only mark World Autism Day but re-affirm the title of his artwork that impossibility is truly a myth. This isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also part of a larger mission to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja.
Beyond being an artist, Kanye is also a strong advocate for autism awareness. He leads the Kanye Autism Foundation, which aims to support and inspire autistic individuals. His message is clear; autism is not a limitation, it’s a different way of seeing and experiencing the world, and that difference should be celebrated.
World Autism Awareness Day 2025, with the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” challenges society to move beyond awareness into action. By integrating neurodiversity into education, employment, and social policies, we can create a world where autistic individuals are fully included. Autism is not something to “fix”, it is a different way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing life. A truly inclusive world is one that embraces and celebrates neurodiversity.
Kanye’s story is proof that neurodiversity is a strength, not a setback. He’s showing the world that autistic individuals are capable of incredible things when given the right support and opportunities.
