Is autism a disease or disability?

It’s not a disease but a neuro developmental disorder. Children with autism (CWA) are found normal during birth but symptoms are visible after three. If a child shows abnormal activities with age s/he may have autism. According to World Health Organization, one in 88 children has autism all over the world irrespective of geography, religion and ethnicity. It has been found that the autism prevalence is four times higher in boys. However, the exact cause of autism is yet to be known despite attempts.

How do we know a child has autism?

They prefer aloofness and show unsocial behaviours. CWA lack eye contact, have difficulties in expressing and respond unusually. They cry or laugh for no reason in particular, have attachment to inappropriate objects, don’t respond to repeat words or phrases frequently. Such behaviours, unfortunately, continue lifelong. But we should not take it as mental retardation as people with autism can perform exceptionally well in something even if they are very poor at other areas. They put all the efforts into the subject of their interest and have the ability to perform brilliantly. However, mentally retarded people don’t have such qualities and have uniform performance in all the areas.

Is there any treatment available for Autism?

There is no medical treatment for it. Autism is a spectrum disorder and has different levels ranging from mild, moderate to severe. Those with severe autism cannot be made productive through any kind of intervention. However, the case is different for mild and moderate cases. Though people with mild autism don’t socialise, they want to be verbal and have the potential to perform extremely well in the area of their choice. They have learning difficulties but grab things in a different way. They have a high level of devotion and effort towards what they prefer. We should not forget that a genius is not normal and it is said that even the great scientist Albert Einstein had high functioning autism. There are screening tools to segregate the spectrum of autism in order to find out its level. An early intervention for those with high level of functional autism can help them have a productive and meaningful life.

What are these interventions?

There are different types of training available for parents and teachers to deal specially with such children and that can bring huge changes. A child should be screened at an early age if there is any suspicion since early intervention can help in bringing them to normal life. If there is timely intervention they can actually study in mainstream schools, however, they will never be free of autism. But the later the treatment, the more difficult it is to normalise. Therefore, the roles of parents, school, society and government to support and help such children is vital.

What can be the role of the state for CWA?

Our government is yet to recognise autism though it has a high prevalence. Many countries across the world including India and Bangladesh have given separate identity to individuals with autism. One in 88 is significantly high and they need life-long support. The government should set-up separate schools and special pedagogy for such children. There should be vocational training based on their interest to get them occupied. Social rehabilitation programme should also be in place along with various awareness programmes.  In developed countries like USA, a child is screened at an early age and the government bears the responsibility for the interventions.