
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

UNICEF in partnership with AstraZeneca is launching a 5-year program focused on youth-led policy change around prevention of mental ill-health, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases by targeting key risk factors such as substance use, physical inactivity, air pollution and environmental risks, tobacco use, and unhealthy diets. Throughout this process, UNICEF will systematically involve…