It is likely that you or someone you know at Smith Mountain Lake is affected by autism, sincemany in our culture and across the world are afflicted with this disorder.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) to be celebrated April 2, 2008 in perpetuity.

This UN Resolution is one of few official disease or disorder-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.

The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and encourages early diagnosis and early intervention.

It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we are giving a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. We hope you will find a way to join in this collective effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope.