ULAN BATOR, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is thought to affect about 18,000 people in Mongolia with a population of just over 3 million, the Autism Research Institute of Mongolia said in a statement released on Monday.

The institute made the statement on the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day, calling for efforts to raise awareness about people with autism, and to support them and their families.

"Autism is not a disease. It is a common misconception that autism is a form of intellectual disability or insanity," said the statement.

According to the institute, most of the autistic children have great potential to achieve success in life.

It called for efforts to raise awareness about people with autism, and help them socialize with other people.

April 2 is observed as the World Autism Awareness Day intended to encourage member states of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autism.

It is estimated that the ASD is affecting about 0.62 percent of children worldwide.