Addressing the socioeconomic needs of individuals, families and societies affected by autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities A/RES/67/82 individuals and their families, as well as for the health, education and social welfare systems trying to meet their needs, Recognizing the work of the World Health Organization in addressing autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities in its resolutions, notably through resolution 65.4 entitled “The global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level”, adopted on 25 May 2012 by the sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, requesting the Director General of the Organization to develop a comprehensive mental health action plan, for consideration by the sixtysixth World Health Assembly, 5 Recognizing also that a major barrier to improving the health and well-being of children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities and their families is the paucity of knowledge and expertise to recognize symptoms and identify autism spectrum disorders, and also recognizing that the absence of effective routine screening that allows for early detection, in turn, limits access to care and early interventions and that, without research to develop and implement effective programmes, the emergence of appropriate solutions that improve the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families does not occur, Acknowledging efforts to increase awareness of the rights of those affected by autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities, including the commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, which led to increased international public concern for autism and other developmental disabilities, Taking note of the Dhaka Declaration on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities of 25 July 2011, 1. Encourages Member States to enhance access to appropriate support services and equal opportunities for inclusion and participation in society by providing, as appropriate, training to public administrators, service providers, carers, caregivers, families and non-professionals on the needs and rights of persons with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities; Recognizes that, in order to develop and implement feasible, effective 2. and sustainable intervention programmes for addressing autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities, an innovative, integrated approach would benefit from a focus, inter alia, on: (a) Increasing public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities and reducing stigma associated with these conditions; (b) Enhancing and increasing research expertise and service delivery, including through international collaboration, by training researchers, service providers, as well as non-professionals, in early diagnosis and interventions within health and other relevant sectors; (c) Enhancing inclusive educational programmes suited to infants, children and adults with autism; _______________ 5 See World Health Organization, document WHA65/2012/REC/1. 3/4