Breaking Barriers: Displaced International (DI) Calls for Autism-Inclusive Policies on World Autism Awareness Day

On this World Autism Awareness Day, Displaced International (DI) stands in steadfast solidarity with displaced autistic individuals around the world. Autism is a spectrum of diverse experiences, contributing to our global community through exceptional creativity, innovation, and resilience. Yet, for many autistic individuals displaced by conflict, climate disasters, and persecution, their extraordinary potential often goes unrecognized and unsupported.

Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, DI Founder & President, emphasized, “Host governments and civil society organizations must work together to create and implement autism-inclusive policies, ensuring displaced autistic individuals receive the personalized support they need. By applying research and best practices, stakeholders can dismantle barriers to education, healthcare, and social participation, fostering environments where autistic individuals can flourish. Acknowledging and upholding their rights, talents, and dignity is not only about fairness; it strengthens communities, boosts resilience, and drives sustainable development. An inclusive world is an empowered world for all.”

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 100 children globally is autistic. With over 120 million people forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations, it is estimated that around 1.2 million displaced children are autistic. These children face compounded challenges—disrupted routines, lack of specialized services, communication barriers, and discrimination in asylum and resettlement processes. In crisis settings, they are frequently excluded from education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Without targeted support, their fundamental rights remain inaccessible.

In alignment with the 2025 theme of World Autism Awareness Day—”Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”—we call on governments, humanitarian organizations, and policymakers to take bold action:

• Ensure access to autism-inclusive refugee and asylum policies: Create and implement frameworks that recognize and accommodate the specific needs of autistic individuals within displaced populations.

• Provide culturally and linguistically responsive autism services: Offer tailored support that respects diverse cultural backgrounds and languages, ensuring accessibility for all autistic individuals.

• Establish safe spaces and adaptive education in refugee camps and host communities: Develop learning environments that accommodate sensory and educational needs, promoting personal growth and stability.

• Develop employment pathways that recognize neurodivergent strengths: Support inclusive job opportunities that harness the unique abilities of autistic individuals, fostering economic independence and meaningful societal contributions.

• Promote public awareness to combat stigma and exclusion: Launch campaigns and educational initiatives to challenge misconceptions and build a more inclusive and accepting society.

Autism is not a barrier—societal inaction is. Let us commit to building a world where displaced autistic individuals are not only included but empowered to thrive.