Experts Call for Early Intervention to Help Autistic People Lead Meaningful Lives

Autism was not included among the disabilities during the recent Census, but, according tot medical experts, India may be having around 2 million persons with the disorder.

On April 2 every year, the global autism community celebrates World Autism Awareness Day, which was declared by the United Nations in 2007.

This year, campaigners engaged in creating awareness about the disorder in India call for early diagnosis to facilitate early intervention.

Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

Hema Malini Jairam, founder-director of We CAN (We Challenge Autism Now), a Chennai-based organization, said that diagnosing the disorder early helps the child to overcome her or his difficulties to a large extent.

Though autism is a life-long disability, medical experts describe it as a spectrum disorder, whose degree of impairment varies from individual to individual.

If some persons with autism require substantial assistance to lead their life, some need minimal assistance.

“There are also several successful people among persons suffering from autism. There is a need to focus on the unique talents and skills of persons with autism,” Malini Jairam said.

Ms. Jairam also emphasized the need for more such organizations and facilities that have expertise to provide scientific intervention to persons with autism.

Rett Syndrome – Causes – Symptoms – Signs – Diagnosis - Treatment
Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects development. It mostly affects the girl child.

“We need organizations like Mysore District Parents’ Association for Empowering Developmentally Disabled (MDPAEDD) and Ashiyana in Udayagiri that support children with autism with their own programmes,” she said.

�Light It Up Blue� on April 2 for World Autism Awareness Day
“Light It Up Blue” is a unique global initiative when worldwide iconic buildings and landmarks are shown in a blue light; people wear blue colors in solidarity.

Source-Medindia