World Autism Awareness Day
The school playground buzzed with laughter, but Ahmad stood at the edge, hands over his ears, heart pounding. The noise was too loud, too sharp—like a thousand drums beating at once. He wanted to run, to escape.
At lunch, the bright red color of a classmate’s lunchbox felt like a flashing light, overwhelming his vision. He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing for the colors to soften.
When the teacher asked, “How are you feeling, Ahmad?” he wanted to answer. But words felt tangled in his mind, impossible to pull out. Frustration built up until all he could do was let out a scream. Others stared. They didn’t understand.
At home, a simple request—“Let’s comb your hair”—felt unbearable. The brush tugged at his scalp, sending shivers down his spine. Haircuts, nail trims—each touch was too much, as if his skin was magnifying every sensation.
Ahmad wasn’t trying to be difficult. His world was just different—louder, brighter, sharper, more intense. But in a world that often misunderstood him, he needed kindness, not correction.
Autistic children like Ahmad experience life differently, and that’s okay. What they need is patience, acceptance, and a world that meets them halfway.
Every year, on April 2nd, we observe World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Autism is not a disability; it is a different ability, bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and talents to the world.
This Autism Awareness Day, let’s take a step towards understanding. Ahmad doesn’t need to be “fixed”—he needs to be heard, supported, and embraced. Because when we truly see the world through his eyes, we don’t just understand autism—we make room for every child to belong.
