20 years since the discovery of genes associated with autism: World Autism Awareness Day – the Institut Pasteur working actively with clinicians and the autism community

As announced in February, in 2023 we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the identification of the first genes associated with autism. This is an opportunity for the Institut Pasteur to look back at a discovery which, in 2003, marked the start of a new era for both families and scientists.

For World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the Institut Pasteur demonstrated its active involvement in this research field in a variety of ways, some of which were particularly colorful!

Publication of a press release ahead of World Autism Awareness Day

This year the Institut Pasteur is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the first genes associated with autism. In 2003, this discovery offered a new perspective on the neurodevelopmental disorder; today, it highlights what still needs to be done to help those affected by autism. Scientists in international consortia are currently focusing their efforts on large-scale studies and participatory research to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in autism, which combine both genetic and environmental factors, and to move towards a system of personalized support.

Find out (in French)

Going blue to keep uniting scientists, clinicians, patients, families and organizations

World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations in 2007 to raise awareness among the general public of autism spectrum disorder and promote the inclusion of autistic people in society. The day is celebrated on April 2 each year.

The color blue, chosen for its calming and soothing effect, was initially used for an awareness campaign led by the US non-profit organization Autism Speaks. Since then, blue has been used as the symbol for World Autism Awareness Day.

To demonstrate its support, the Institut Pasteur lit up the façade of the historical Émile Duclaux building in blue during the night of April 1 to 2, sending a clear message to all passers-by and motorists on Rue du Docteur Roux.

Many thanks to the Institut Pasteur's technical teams for their support in making this unprecedented initiative possible.

Dialog with the general public, a vital mission – and not just for World Autism Awareness Day

The annual event held on March 18 for Brain Awareness Week was an opportunity for Thomas Bourgeron, Head of the Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, to speak about the role of synapses in autism spectrum disorder while also looking back over 20 years of discoveries.

Find out more about the event for Brain Awareness Week at the Institut Pasteur