World Autism Awareness Day
Recently, World Autism Awareness Day has been celebrated all over the world on 2nd
On 2nd April 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared it as ‘World Autism Awareness Day’.
Autism:
- Autism spectrum disorder is a vast term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Its symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood (between 12 and 24 months of age). However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.
- Autism affects the way a person learns and also, his interaction with other people and the surrounding environment. People with autism hear, see and feel differently from others.
Types of Autism
There are three types of autism spectrum disorder –
- Autistic Disorder: People with autistic disorder usually speak late and face social and communication challenges.
- Asperger Syndrome: Social challenges may arise and they may also have unusual behaviors and interests. However, they do not usually have language related or intellectual problems.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder: People who have some symptoms of autistic disorder or Asperger’s syndrome may have a Pervasive developmental disorder. Their intensity is low. Symptoms can only cause social and communication challenges.
Symptoms:
- Variation in the development of sociality, language and sensitivity.
- Interested in very few things and doing the same type of behavior over and over again.
- Sensational abnormalities, such as avoidance of sounds or excessive movement.
- Variation in watching and participating in sports compared to other children.
Government’s initiative for prevention of Autism
Government of India has started several programs to help people affected by autism:
- National Trust for the Welfare of Individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities
- Samarth Scheme: Provides residential services.
- GHARAUNDA (Group home and rehabilitation activities for differently-abled adults)
- Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme
- Vikas Day Care
- Concession in travel, commuting etc.
Source – The Hindu
