Today is World Awareness Autism Day that aims to increase people’s awareness about people, especially children, with autism. You! takes a look...
waad
Today is World Awareness Autism Day that aims to increase people’s awareness about people, especially children, with autism. You! takes a look...
Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterised by impaired development in communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. In the past, autism has been confused with childhood schizophrenia or childhood psychosis, and may have been misunderstood as schizotypal personality disorder in some adults.
Children with autism have trouble communicating. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch.
No two people with autism are alike, but many parents notice signs of the disorder when their child does not meet certain developmental milestones, typically between 18 months and 3 years of age. For instance, the child may have problems with eye contact, responding to his or her name or engaging in imaginative play.
The most obvious sign that a child has autism is their inability to interact socially. Babies and infants won’t respond to smiles, vocal games, or other stimuli and activities around them. Children won’t follow other people with their eyes, or make eye contact. Facial expression and body language are neither understood nor expressed by children with autism. They may also not be able to develop emotional and social relationships.
Many children with autism find it difficult to develop language skills, and they are unlikely to start up a conversation. However, it’s not unusual for a person with autism to echo phrases they hear in conversation or have heard in the past.
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. However, there are behavioural and educational therapies that may help reduce symptoms. And early diagnosis is key to connecting children with autism to treatment. One of the most frequently used therapies, Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), for instance, uses rewards to encourage people with autism to increase useful behaviour and decrease impairing actions. Programs are usually highly structured and focus on developing the child’s language and social skills.
It is important to remember, despite some recent denials, that autism is usually a lifelong condition. However, the quality of life for individuals with autism can improve as communication is enhanced and daily experiences become more meaningful.
Having a child that is diagnosed with autism is not just hard for the parents but also for all members of the family. The parents, siblings and even grandparents have to share in the responsibility of supporting a child with special needs. Not only can it be financially draining and physically exhausting, but it can also be a source of emotional stress to everyone involved.
Naturally, the greatest weight is carried on the shoulders of the parents. To begin with, parents must cope with the deficits and excesses in behaviour of an autistic child. Here are a few tips for parents:
Life with an autistic child is hard already, but life does not have to be all stress. Parents should not be afraid to ask for a little support from other family members, such as the child’s aunt or uncles or grandparents. They may look after the child for several hours a week to give the parents time off and take care of themselves. If it’s possible, getting out to a movie, going shopping, or visiting a friend can make a world of difference. If you feel guilty about taking a break, try to remind yourself that it will help you to be renewed for the things you need to do when you get back.
Everyone needs someone to talk to. Let someone know what you are going through and how you feel. Someone who just listens can be a great source of strength. If you can’t get out of the house, use the phone to call a friend.
So when grandma or uncle wants to know what your kid wants for their birthday, cash is king. Don’t be afraid to ask for therapy and/or lessons for something as gifts. These folks care about you and your kid. They’ll be happy to know what they bought is actually getting used, not sitting around collecting dust.
It may be small trips at first but it is the best thing you can do. You’re teaching them coping skills. Life happens. People have to food shop, go to the bank, post office, etc. You would be doing it anyway if your kid didn’t have autism. Know their limits of course. Baby steps first. Today, it’s a trip to buy milk. Another time, maybe it’s a trip to the grocery store and the library.
Moan, cry, rant and rave and do it when you need to. More than once. Just remember you still have a kid that needs you. So don’t dwell in it too long. If you find yourself doing it too far too frequently, know when to ask for help. Be it from a partner, family member, friend or doctor. Yes, this isn’t what you planned, but it’s here. This is your life now. This is your new normal. You will just get better at dealing with it. Be it through humour, prayer, yoga, crafting, blogging or a thousand other escapism activities. You will do this. You can do this. Remember for as hard as you are working, so is your child. So now and then, relax.
Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding.
Keeping this in mind, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is celebrated every year on 2nd April to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism - and others living with autism - face every day. It aims to increase people’s awareness about people, especially children, with autism. The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism.
World Autism Awareness Day was designated under by the United Nations General Assembly resolution ‘62/139. World Autism Awareness Day’, adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.
On World Autism Day, public and private organisations all over the world that are dedicated to fighting autism and helping those with autism come together and hold special events. There are often research programs alongside the public awareness and fundraising campaigns. And there are reports that awareness and research have indeed greatly increased as a result of the awareness day. What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe.
