There has been more awareness in society on autism, but it must work towards greater acceptance of children and adults with the disorder, several experts said during a program. A day before the World Autism Awareness Day, experts participated in a program at the Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) campus here.
Sumita Ghosh, Additional Commissioner, Ministry of Health said, “Children with autism have come out of their inhibitions, and are now developing to their full potential. We request all concerned to spread awareness about it. Support them need, not stigma and discrimination.” ,
Ghosh and several medical experts participated in the event on Saturday. The organizer said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the program for some time.
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Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that appears during early childhood, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The term autism spectrum refers to a number of characteristics, according to the United Nations website. It says that appropriate supports, accommodations, and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity and full and effective participation in society.
Autism is primarily characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, deep interest in specific subjects, aversion to routine, challenges in specific communication, and special ways of processing sensory information. Poonam Narang, dean of the Delhi government-run MAMC, said these children are “differently capable, and perhaps more capable than us”.
He said, “We need multidisciplinary efforts including behavioral and speech therapy. We need to nurture their abilities and give them direction. Parents need to support such children.”
The organizers said that an ‘Autism Awareness and Acceptance March’ was also organized on the campus, which was followed by a performance by children with special needs during the main event.
Vandana Bagga, Director, Directorate of Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, who also attended the event, said, in autistic children, non-verbal communication is severely affected, and the quality of life is reduced.
He added, “Awareness, early diagnosis and screening are key. But, adults should be allowed to come into the mainstream, and we should not have special schools for them.” Dr Monica Juneja, director of the Department of Pediatrics and in-charge of the Center of Excellence-Early Intervention Center (CoE-EIC) at MAMC, said that the awareness about autism has increased a lot.
“But, many parents feel that if a child is diagnosed with autism, it is the death knell and nothing can be done about it. Autism requires a lifetime of support, And such a child needs multiple interventions.
“It affects all aspects of their lives, and their outlook is also multidimensional. There is a need for special education, speech therapy, psychological counseling etc. Children, who did not speak a word earlier, are now doing well in school . . , and in studies,” she said.