Autism spectrum disorder: Symptoms, importance of empowering people with ASD!

New Delhi: Dealing with an autistic child can be stressful for parents. But being emotionally strong enables you to be the best parent you can be to your child in need.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a range of conditions, skills and levels of disability. Children autistic disorder have difficulties relating to and communicating with other people.

Symptoms of autism typically appears during the first three years of life, however, some children show signs from birth.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), people with ASD often have the following characteristics:

• Ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others
• Repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities
• Symptoms that typically are recognized in the first two years of life
• Symptoms that hurt the individual’s ability to function socially, at school or work, or other areas of life

Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, stressed that a whole-of-society approach is essential to upholding the rights of persons with ASD, which can impair personal, social and occupational functioning.

“Persons with ASD must be empowered to access services and support that can enhance their health and wellbeing and facilitate their full participation in civil, political, economic, social and cultural life, she added.

Countries within the WHO South-East Asia Region have been active in promoting the rights of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The upcoming regional conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Bhutan provides an opportunity to harness this drive, and to work towards ensuring all persons can access the services they need to live happy, healthy and productive lives.

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on the 2nd of April every year to raise awareness and understanding for people living with autism.