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On 2nd of April GIS marked World Autism Awareness Day. This year GIS had an autism awareness slogan which was “Balaigannan” meaning “I accept”. The slogan signifies the urgency given by GIS to create a community that is sensitive to Special Education Needs and to inculcate in our children an attitude of acceptance. Moreover, according to United Nations the theme for this year is "Empowering Women and Girls with Autism”.

As part of increasing understanding and acceptance of people with Autism and to empower women and girls with autism, an assembly was held in which two students (Izaan Ahmed Ibrahim of 5D and Aishath Shavas  Faisal of 8A) addressed the school. Their speech highlighted how GIS has given students with special needs equal opportunity to participate in all school activities and the platform to showcase their talents. They also urged the community to offer support and not judgement. The assembly was closed with a special event whereby principal, deputy principals and one student on behalf of each class completed an 8x8 puzzle that had a handwritten message by them on it. A special thanks to school EXCO for preparing the puzzle.

To raise awareness a short-animated movie on autism was shown to students of grades 1-5 and awareness flyers explaining the myths and facts of autism were put up on the notice boards of grades 6-10 classes. Furthermore, a comprehensive article on autism was also given to grade 10 students. To further increase understanding and acceptance of autism several Public Service Announcements (PSA) will also be created by grades 7-9 students before the end of April.

Lastly, a fundraiser was held by Student Support Department. The fund raising began on the month of March by pre-order selling autism awareness t-shirts. To conclude the fundraiser, “Balaigannan” keychains (in collaboration with Thakethi), smoothies and handmade bookmarks by special needs students of GIS were sold outside the school gate. The fund raised from the event will be donated to an NGO.