Did you know over 67 million people around the world are affected by autism including here in Bahrain? Today marks World Autism Awareness Day - only one of three official diseases specified by United Nations days.

Events are being held all over the world in recognition of this day - including here in Bahrain.

On the December 18, 2007, the UN General Assembly by unanimous consent adopted Resolution 62/139, which declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.

The resolution, which Bahrain is a co-sponsor of, encourages all member states to take measures to raise awareness of autism throughout society, to promote early diagnosis and early behavioural intervention and to acknowledge the high rate of autism in all regions of the world and the consequent development challenges to long term health care, education, training and intervention programmes.

Autism affects individuals regardless of race, socioeconomic status or geography. Its causes are unknown, and it affects more boys than girls.

In some areas around the world the prevalence of autism is increasing.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioural challenges. However, early diagnosis and intervention improves the lives of people affected.

First warning signs appear when a child is between 18 and 24 months old.

The issue of autism has gained attention rapidly in the past four years - largely due the work of Suzanne Wright and Bob Wright, the co-founders of Autism Speaks which is the world's largest non-profit research organisation and is the leading private funder of autism research in the world.

In 2008, Time Magazine recognised them as one of the most 100 powerful couples in the world for the impact they were having in brining awareness and understanding of autism around the world.

Autism Speaks was instrumental in working to have World Autism Awareness Day. Only two other medical disorders - Aids and diabetes are also recognised by the global body showing just how importance the issue of autism is.

To mark the second annual celebration of this day, people from around the world will take part in national and international events. In Bahrain, the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Difficulties has organised the Untangle Autism International Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of April at the Sheraton Hotel.

In New York, an autistic boy will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange for a second consecutive year, and all the UN ambassadors will meet in a private session to address this issue and ways to move forward in dealing with autism.

The UN resolution designates this day to be observed every year to raise awareness of autism.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that Bahrain implements the ideals of this resolution until the cure for autism is found.

Next time you see a child you think is misbehaving, or has communication problems, think again.

He or she may be autistic.

As the co-founders of Autism Speaks say, "Autism Speaks. It's time for the world to listen."

For more information visit: www.childbehavior.org or www.worldautismawarenessday.org