NEW YORK, NY.- Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization, presented a series of national and international events to mark the second annual celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, a global effort to heighten awareness about a disorder affecting millions of individuals and families around the world. WAAD is a result of a resolution passed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, making autism one of only three health issues to be recognized by the UN with its own “day.”

At the United Nations, artist Yoko Ono Lennon unveiled an original work called “Promise Piece” that she created for, and was inspired by, WAAD. “Promise Piece” is a unique work of art, done in a style Ms. Ono has been working in for more than two decades, in which a larger work is broken apart into smaller pieces. The 58 signed puzzle pieces will be auctioned throughout the month of April, with the caveat that they are to be “re-united” and re-assembled when the cure for autism is found. The event will be sponsored by the Chilean Mission.

"I am proud to partner with Autism Speaks in promoting awareness and advocacy for children with autism," said Yoko Ono. "World Autism Awareness Day is not only a day to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, but also to celebrate another big step towards healing our world."