My journey with autism began 39 years back, when my older daughter, Ishita was diagnosed autistic. The journey, like most, has had its wondrous moments and challenge – but most of all,
one of joy, as I see Ishita as a happy woman, one who completes me and my family. I would like to enumerate about autism here as a means of reaching out to families touched by Autism as well as our readers.
Autism Spectrum Condition refers to a lifelong neurological disability that affects one in every 44 persons of whom 80% are males. Autism knows no social, economic, caste, religious, or racial boundaries. There are more than 20 million autistic people in India.
The brains of autistic individuals work differently leading to an entirely different way of being. The cause of autism is not yet known. While there is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people, autistic people may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. Autism is a spectrum condition; autistic people display a range of behaviors and abilities from very mild to quite severe. For example, some autistic people may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some may need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with minimal support.
It is important to remember that, Autism impacts the learning style of the person and not the capacity to learn Early diagnosis, appropriate teaching methods, and an accepting and supportive environment can help all autistic individuals to improve and lead more productive lives.
If you know a family with an autistic child, include them in activities. Invite them to birthday parties and other events. Be understanding if they need any special accommodations, like leaving early. Ask the individual, parent/carer what support they might need. Often the mere knowledge that people are accepting and non-judgmental, helps alleviate anxiety, helping the individual function to his/her best capacity.
Advocating for the rights of autistic people and supporting them in accessing their rights, as well as supporting local organizations that provide services for those with autism and their families can make an immense difference in the lives of autistic people.
