Awareness about Autism a must, say experts

New Delhi: Awareness about autism, its early diagnosis and non-discrimination with children stricken with the neurological disorder is necessary for their welfare, advise experts.

Autism constitutes 11 per cent of the diseases prevalent globally and this number is likely to reach 14.7 percent by the year 2020.

"In India alone, an estimated one in 110 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dealing with children diagnosed of this disorder is challenging and people should stop disrimination against them. It can happen only when there is awareness about it," Dr Samir Parekh, HOD, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Max Healthcare said.

On the occassion of World Autism Day, Max Healthcare today organized a special preview and screening of a documentary on autism titled "Embracing Autism"- an eight minute documentary.

"Through this documentary I would like to create awareness about the current situation we are in and also raise an awakening to tackle the same. Every child is special and should not be discriminated on such grounds," Dr Parekh said.

"Autism disorder is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It occurs more in boys than in girls. Thirteen percent of children have a developmental disability, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism," Dr Pervez Ahmed, CEO, Max Healthcare, said.

PTI

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