News Highlight
The need for early intervention for the greatest outcomes must be emphasised – World Autism Awareness Day was on April 2.
Key Takeaway
- World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2nd every year, and this year marks the 15th anniversary.
- This day is dedicated to raising awareness of autism, a neurological disorder that reveals itself throughout childhood.
Autism
- About
- Autism is a complicated neurobehavioral disorder that creates difficulties with language and communication skills.
- It also causes a person to behave repetitively and strictly.
- It is a complex brain development disorder within the first three years of life.
- Autism is not mental retardation because persons with autism can thrive in areas such as art, music, writing, and so on.
- Various symptoms distinguish it, consequently known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Theme
- The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities for Autistic People.”
- Symptoms
- There is a lack of eye contact.
- A small range of interests or a strong interest in a few things.
- Repeating something, such as repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or flipping a lever.
- Extreme sensitivity to sounds, sensations, scents, or sights others find ordinary.
- Not looking at or paying attention to others.
- Not looking at things when they are pointed out to you.
- Refusing to be held or cuddled.
- Speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice issues.
- Speaking with a sing-song, flat, or robotic tone of voice.
- Having difficulty adapting to changes in routine.
Causes of Autism
- It is unclear why autism occurs.
- It could be caused by issues in the areas of your brain that interpret sensory input and process language.
- Autism affects guys four times more than girls.
- It can happen to persons of any colour, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
- A child’s risk of autism is unaffected by family income, lifestyle, or educational level.
- But there are some risk factors:
- Because autism runs in families, certain gene combinations may raise a child’s risk.
- A child with an older parent is more likely to develop autism.
- Pregnant women exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, such as alcohol or seizure medications, are likelier to have autistic children.
- Maternal metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity are also risk factors.
Prevalence of Autism in India
- Autism prevalence and incidence figures in India are 1 in 500, 0.20%, or more than 2,160,000 persons.
- According to one study, there are around three million people on the Indian subcontinent who have autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
Intervention Techniques for Autism
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Positive reinforcement is used in this therapy to teach new skills and improve behaviour.
- ABA is one of the most widely utilised and researched therapies for autism.
- It entails reducing challenging activities into smaller, more achievable steps and rewarding the individual for completing each step.
- Speech Therapy
- Many people with autism experience communication difficulties, such as delayed language development or difficulties with social contact.
- Individuals with autism can benefit from speech therapy to improve their communication abilities, such as;
- Learning to talk clearly or communicate non-verbally.
- Occupational Therapy
- This therapy can assist people with autism in learning life skills such as dressing, grooming themselves, and completing other daily chores.
- Occupational therapists can also assist people with autism in dealing with sensory difficulties, which are frequent in people with autism.
- Medication
- While no drug will cure autism, several medications can help manage symptoms like anxiety or aggression.
- Medication, on the other hand, should only be used under the supervision of a skilled healthcare provider.
Conclusion
- World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is an occasion to raise awareness about the difficulties.
- The difficulties that autistic people encounter in the workplace, as well as to promote greater inclusion and understanding.
- Businesses may benefit from the contributions of this influential group by recognising the unique talents and perspectives of autistic individuals and fostering a friendly and inclusive work environment.
- Everyone can act to promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion for people with autism every day, not only on World Autism Awareness Day.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu