Vojnosanit Pregl 2025; Vol.82 (No. 4)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. These disorders are characterized by the presence of disabling impairments in social communication and interactions, along with restricted, repetitive behaviors, insistence on immutability, and unusual sensory sensitivities. The complex etiology of ASD includes numerous risk factors (genetic, neurobiological, environmental, sociocultural), and it has not been fully explored. The global prevalence of ASD has increased fourfold over the last three decades. Since the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, the UN has been working on supporting people with autism to achieve their maximum potential in accordance with their health condition. The theme of this year’s WAAD, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals”, emphasizes the importance of practical solutions that improve the lives of autistic people and encourage their integration into society.
