New York  - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday children and adults with autism can be helped to lead a normal life as the world organization marked an international awareness day on autism.

"This is not a far-off dream, it is a reality that can be attained by promoting positive perception about autism as well as a greater social understanding of this growing challenge," Ban said in a message.

The day was marked at UN headquarters with lectures, briefings and art shows with the presence of Yoko Ono, widow of the famous member of the Beatles, John Lennon.

Ban called for intensified efforts to ensure that people with autism can benefit from a supportive environment so they can reach their full potential and contribute to society.

The World Health Organization in Geneva has reaffirmed its commitment to provide governments with technical assistance to deliver integrated health services to help autistic people.