科技英语新闻:UN chief calls for greater awareness of autism

UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday called for greater public awareness of autism, in order to fight the stigma and discrimination facing those who suffer from the disorder.

The statement came in a message to mark the annual World Autism Awareness Day, observed globally on April 2.

"Children and persons with autistic conditions face major challenges associated with stigma and discrimination, as well as a lack of access to support," said Ban.

"Far too many suffer terrible discrimination, abuse and isolation, in violation of their fundamental human rights," he added.

Autism is a disorder that affects the brain's development of social and communication skills, and generally appears in the first three years of life.

"The number of children and people with autistic conditions continues to rise -- in every nation and in every racial, ethnic and social group," the secretary-general said.

Ban said it is critical to support parents of children with the disorder and "create jobs for individuals with autism based on their skills and strengths, and improve public education to better meet the needs of students with autism."