World Autism Awareness Day - What It Means To Me
Living on the Autism Spectrum: A Unique Journey
Living on the autism spectrum is truly unique—it is my gift, my challenge, and my superpower. I am incredibly grateful for all that I have accomplished, and I firmly believe that being autistic has given me strengths that have helped me overcome challenges many neurotypical individuals might struggle with. In recent years, I have traveled the world, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and launched this blog—something that few people attempt, let alone someone on the autism spectrum.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, complex condition typically diagnosed in early childhood. Approximately one percent of the global population is on the autism spectrum, though millions remain undiagnosed. Autism is a broad spectrum, ranging from individuals who are highly independent to those requiring full-time support. Some common challenges associated with autism include:
Difficulty with communication
Sensitivity to noise
Discomfort in unfamiliar situations
Difficulty understanding and reading social cues
Struggles with making eye contact
Managing anxiety
Coping with uncertainty and change
Fixation on specific interests
Despite these challenges, autistic individuals bring unique perspectives, skills, and strengths to society.
What Is World Autism Awareness Day?
Since 2007, the United Nations has recognized April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of autistic individuals while advocating for their acceptance. Many iconic landmarks around the world, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and the White House in Washington, D.C., light up in blue to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
Standing by the Mediterranean Sea in Antalya, Turkey. Traveling the world has been a huge part of my life and a symbol of my achievements as someone living on the autism spectrum.
What Does World Autism Awareness Day Mean To Me?
As you may already know, the main purpose of creating this blog is to share my own experiences travelling the world on the autism spectrum and help make travel more suitable for autistic people who want to travel. World Autism Awareness Day resonates with me because travelling the world on the autism spectrum is a rare commodity, yet has allowed me to break barriers and challenge perceptions in uncommon situations where autistic people would be most unfamiliar. It serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is one of many iconic landmarks illuminated for World Autism Acceptance Day. Dubai is often regarded as one of the most autism-friendly cities in the world, offering various programs and technologies designed to support families with loved ones on the autism spectrum.
How Does World Autism Awareness Day Relate to Travel?
While there is no direct link between World Autism Awareness Day and travel, I believe autism, as a global phenomenon, opens opportunities to inspire families and individuals worldwide. Through my travels, I have met countless people who have found hope in my journey and want to share some examples below:
In Athens, a mother on the metro was reassured by my story, realizing that her autistic son could also aspire to have a high quality of life and one day explore the world.
In Turkmenistan, a woman I met while camping at the Darvaza Gas Crater reached out for guidance in her work with autistic children.
In Kazakhstan, a diplomat discovered my blog through Instagram and was inspired because her son is on the autism spectrum.
In Laos, an Australian woman I met works in the education sector and was profoundly impacted by my story.
Travelling the world on four continents has provided me the opportunity to market myself as a globetrotter with autism and provide inspiration and hope for solo autistic travellers. My goal is to deliver a message that autistic people deserve the opportunity to travel. While I recognize people with autism can physically travel, it is important to acknowledge that logistics and (lots of) uncertainty will make travel for many autistic people unfeasible. Please know that if you are unable to travel physically, I invite you to live travel through the lens of my blog.
It was a pleasure meeting Helen (middle) and her husband, Dmitry, at the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan. Helen works with children on the autism spectrum and was deeply inspired by my story. I never could have imagined having a conversation with Turkmen locals while camping beside one of the most dangerous fire craters on Earth. This was truly a special experience
New Haven Learning Centre: Supporting the Autism Community
For those unfamiliar, I am a proud board member of New Haven Learning Centre, a Toronto-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality services for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Since its founding in 1998, the centre has made a profound impact on families, reinforcing the message that autistic individuals deserve a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
I will be working with our director, Sandra, to organize and establish a New Haven committee to provide a safe space for autistic individuals and/or their caretakers and representatives to join the conversation. More information on this committee will be shared in the coming weeks.
Standing center-right (fourth from the right) between New Haven Board Chairman John Turner and Ontario Premier Doug Ford at New Haven Learning Centre in Toronto. A big shoutout to the Government of Ontario for its continued support in funding New Haven and autism programs across the province!
Some Life Accomplishments
I am incredibly grateful for all that I have achieved in life, and I firmly believe I could not have accomplished my life goals—living independently, driving a car, once thriving in the spotlight of the sports and entertainment industry, and of course, traveling and travel blogging—without autism being a part of me. I have learned valuable life lessons such as perseverance, discipline, wisdom, courage, and patience. Like everyone else, I am not perfect and continue to learn new things every day.
Final Thoughts
World Autism Awareness Day is not just about raising awareness—it is about fostering acceptance, recognizing achievements, and advocating for a more inclusive world. Whether through travel, education, or daily life, autistic individuals contribute immensely to society. My goal is to continue sharing my journey, inspiring others, and continue to make travel and life experiences more accessible for those on the spectrum.
I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to read this article. I encourage you to share it with your networks and if you are comfortable, to share your own experiences with me. I am open to hearing your stories and connecting. You can reach me via direct message Instagram at @paulywall90.
