Extra care can boost morale of autistic individuals, say experts

On World Autism Awareness Day, marked on April 2 every year, medical experts say extra care from parents and teachers can go a long way in boosting the morale of autistic individuals.

District Health Department officials said they have roped in enthusiasts from social organisations to spread awareness about proactive measures needed to make the life of autistic individuals more comfortable and dignified.

In the recent past, they organised workshops and seminars to promote autism-friendly policies, and awareness campaigns stressing on the need of early diagnosis and intervention.

Speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions by experts, policymakers and personnel from law enforcement agencies were organised to underscore the significance of the extra care, as part of the initiative to mark the World Autism Awareness Day.

Dr Jagjit Singh, Deputy Medical Commissioner, Malerkotla, said the day is observed to resolve to continue to push for better understanding, education, healthcare and opportunities for around 18 million autistic people in the country.

Singh said the day was first celebrated in 2008, months after the United Nations General Assembly in December 2007 declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day with the intent to emphasise the need for improved education, employment opportunity and social integration of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

“A genetic disorder manipulated through aberrations in genes linked to brain development and nerve function, autism is a condition that affects behavioural elements, including interaction and communication,” said Dr Jagjit Singh.

Medical experts say incidences of autism as well as awareness about the disorder have increased in the past few decades.

Impaired social communication, avoiding eye contact, slower response to social cues, trouble in understanding emotions, stereotypical repetitive behaviour and over or under reaction to stimuli are among the main symptoms of autism.