A nationwide action plan on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of developmental disorders, will be announced on Dec. 3 to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Designed by the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, the action plan is a first of its kind and will better facilitate equal life standards for adults and children with autism. The action plan will affect 4 million people including 1 million suffering from autism.Expected to be announced by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, measurements under seven sub-categories have been taken including covering essential requirements of families and individuals diagnosed with autism, providing support and increasing their life quality. Social support plays a big role as families will be encouraged to take special training to better train and manage their children with autism. Other important changes will be covering educational expenses of students with autism as well as improving access that will increase their participation in the labor force.Adem Kuyumcu, the deputy president of the Federation of Associations for Autism and People with Disabilities, said the action plan is of significant importance to develop better opportunities for them.According to U.N. data, more than 1 billion people, or approximately 15 percent of the world's population, live with some form of disability. Almost 80 percent live in developing countries. People with ASD often have social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others, repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities and symptoms that hurt the individual's ability to function socially, at school or work, or in other areas of life.