Context:
The United Nations observed the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
More on the news
- Every year, on April 2, the global awareness event of World Autism Day is observed to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- The theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2024 is ‘Empowering Autistic Voices’.
- United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as WAAD in 2007
Autism
- Autism, also referred to as Autistic spectrum disorder is a group of developmental disabilities in which children may behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are different from most other children.
- Autism can begin before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time.
Causes Of Autism
- Extreme prematurity or low birth weight or being born to older parents
- History of certain genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Prenatal exposure to air pollution
- Maternal obesity, diabetes
- Immune system disorders
ASD Symptoms:
- Trouble interacting socially and communicating (eye contact, understanding emotions).
- Repetitive behaviors and intense interests.
- Sensory processing differences (oversensitivity or undersensitivity).
Diagnosis:
- Involves a pediatrician, developmental specialist, and psychologist.
- Uses evaluations, interviews, and ruling out other conditions.
Treatment:
- Early intervention is key! Treatments include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and social skills training.
- sometimes medications help to manage medical conditions related to autism.
India’s Position on Autism
• According to a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics:
- The estimated prevalence of Autism in India is around 1 in 68 children.
- Boys are more commonly affected by Autism than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1.
India Autism Center:
- Building a digital platform, a one-stop solution for the entire neurodiverse community.
- Offering a personalised and responsive residential center that facilitates life-long support to autistic individuals and their families.
- Building a sensitive and sustainable ecosystem that promotes quality of life.
- Contributing towards the global knowledge base on Autism and related neurodiverse disorders.
Early detection and diagnosis of Autism in infants and toddlers are crucial for providing timely interventions and support. As awareness about the early symptoms of Autism grows, more children can receive the assistance they need for improved developmental outcomes.