Commemorating World Autism Awareness Day
Creation of Autism Spectrum Disorder Webtoon Story
The Seoul National University Hospital Developmental Disability Center announced on the 3rd that it conducted the 'Blue Light Campaign with Webtoon Artist Joo Ho-min' aimed at reducing prejudice against autistic individuals and improving public awareness.
The Blue Light Campaign is an event held annually on April 2nd to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day. Around the world, the 'Light It Up Blue' campaign is conducted, symbolizing interest and understanding of autistic individuals by illuminating local landmarks with blue light, and participants wear blue clothing or accessories.
In this year's Blue Light Campaign, Seoul National University Hospital collaborated with webtoon artist Joo Ho-min to create a webtoon poster related to autism spectrum disorder to enhance social understanding and empathy. The poster conveys the message that "Autism spectrum disorder is commonly encountered in about 1 in 37 people." Additionally, the campaign promoted World Autism Awareness Day to the public through various channels such as advertisements on Naver portal's main page, bus stop billboards in Seoul, and a photo zone installed on the first floor of Seoul National University Children's Hospital.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 1-2% of children. It is mainly characterized by difficulties in forming social relationships, problems with emotional interactions, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. The causes are known to be an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, and recent reports increasingly associate it with abnormalities in the structure and functional development of the social brain.
As of 2020, the population with autism spectrum disorder in South Korea reached 31,000, about twice the number in 2010, showing the highest growth rate in the past decade. Globally, a very high increasing trend is also observed.
Kim Bung-nyeon, head of the center and professor of pediatric psychiatry, said, "I am proud that through this campaign many people can overcome prejudices and biases against autism spectrum disorder," and added, "I hope that through warm consideration and empathy, autistic individuals will be embraced as members of our society."
Meanwhile, the Developmental Disability Center is a medical institution designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare to provide medical support tailored to the characteristics and needs of people with developmental disabilities and to professionally support those who experience difficulties in daily life due to problematic behaviors such as self-harm and aggression. Currently, it is established in 11 hospitals nationwide, including Seoul National University Hospital.
A webtoon poster related to autism spectrum disorder produced in collaboration with artist Ju Homin by the Seoul National University Hospital Developmental Disability Hub Hospital. [Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]
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