Approximately 1% (75,000,000) of the world’s population is estimated to have ASD[1]. 

World Autism Awareness Day has been marked by UN member states every year since 2007 and in 2022, the day will be marked on Saturday, April 2.  Many organizations around the world now take part in World Autism Acceptance Week, which will take place from 28 March –  3 April 2022.

The KAUST School and the wider community will be joining in the global activities… and we will be celebrating and raising awareness of the gift that neurodiversity brings to our community – from Saturday, March 26 – Sunday, April 3.

More information about the activities in school will be shared through the usual parent and student channels.  In addition, there will be a number of activities taking place in/for the community…

Saturday, March 26 – join us for a 3.5 km ‘walk for autism’ (or for those who still have legs after the 5k/10k Fun Run on Friday, you can run it).  The Ministry of DJs will be spinning the tunes.

Wear blue, bring your family, friends, and furries (and water), and have some fun as we walk along North Beach and around the Beacon.

Sunday, March 27 – Saturday, April 2 – visit the diner and our retail partners for various ‘specials’ to mark World Autism Acceptance Week.

Monday, March 28 – a family screening of Inside Out (PG) will take place in Discovery Theater 1 at 6.00 pm.  Lights will be left on and there will be a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the auditorium during the movie.

Wednesday, March 30 – family screening of Diary of a Wimpy Kid at Discovery Theater 1 at 6.00 pm.  Lights will be left on and there will be a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the auditorium during the movie.

Thursday, March 31 – don’t forget to register for the monthly Quiz Night at the Island Recreation Center… chances to win blue prizes!

Saturday, April 2 – the KAUST Beacon will turn blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

Sunday, April 3 – we encourage everyone to wear blue to work, study (and play), to demonstrate our unity in recognizing ASD.

 For more information and ideas, scan the QR code…

[1] Centers for Disease Control, 2021