1 in 31 Children Has Autism

Autism is seen in 1 in every 31 children today. While 1 in every 2,500 children was diagnosed with autism in 1985, despite this rate reached today, individuals with autism have difficulty accessing qualified educational environments, are not accepted in the workplace, and have to struggle with major problems in being a part of social life and therefore life. Individuals with autism may have different characteristics than others, but they have equal rights and freedoms with everyone else. 

Tohum Autism Foundation, which has been working in Turkey since 2003 to draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis of autism, to lead the reintegration of autistic individuals into society with scientifically based education, and to disseminate this throughout the country, invites the society to move from awareness to action, to accept individuals with autism at every stage of life and to shine a red light on autism on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day. 

Awareness is Not Enough for Autism, An Inclusive Society is Required

April 2 World Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations, aims to raise global awareness about autism. However, at this point today, simply raising awareness is not enough. 

Individuals with autism still have difficulty accessing equal rights in many areas, from education to employment, from social life to health services. While early, intensive, continuous and scientifically based education plays a decisive role in the development of children with autism; Inequalities in access to these services create a great burden for families. Tohum Autism Foundation has been working to support autistic children's access to education and integration into society for 23 years.

• In the educational institutions established in 2006, individualized education has been provided to 2,814 children with autism to date.
• With the national and international projects carried out, 2.8 million people have been reached.
• Guidance was provided to families and teachers. Educational programs have been developed and studies have been carried out to disseminate scientifically based applications.

The increasing incidence of autism shows that these studies should be further disseminated.

Turkey Dresses in Red for Autism!

With the #LightRedLight on Autism campaign that has been ongoing since 2022, many historical and symbolic buildings across Turkey will be illuminated with red light this year, as every year. Institutions and individuals will come together under the same label on social media to show that they stand by individuals with autism.

The basic message of the campaign is clear: Inclusive policies are essential for individuals with autism to take part in all areas of life, to reach equal conditions and to receive the acceptance they deserve in society.

Autistic Individuals Need More Than Awareness!

Seda Köknel, General Manager of Tohum Autism Foundation, pointed out the importance of the campaign and said: “Everyone In a world where 1 in 31 children is autistic, inclusion is not a choice, but an obligation. The public, private sector and civil society need to act together to ensure that individuals with autism have equal opportunities in education, employment and social life. In this context, it is time for everyone to take a photo with a red object or wearing red to draw attention to autism and share it on their social media accounts with the hashtag "#LightRedOnAutism". We invite you to contribute to the construction of a more fair and inclusive society.”