Autism can be fought only if one is aware of the disease in a detailed manner. The awareness programme not only boosts their knowledge but also to helps them cope with it in a more positive manner.
The views were articulated at an event held at Maulana Azad Medical College, in association with Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day at its premises.
"Earlier people had reserve speculation about Austism Awareness campaigns but now they have started taking interest in joining these kind of awareness programmes," said Dr Prashant Shirvastava, Psychiatric Social Worker, Child Development Center, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.
Dr Shrivastava also explained that it is important to spread information among metropolitan people about the disorder and early symptoms of the problem in order to take appropriate and timely intervention.
"Awareness is vital to promote acceptance of these kids in the society and advocate proper allocation of resource for providing various services to affected people," he added.
Only four people out of 100 aware about 'The national trust for welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities act, 1999'- to enable and empower persons with disability to live as independently and as fully as possible within and as close to the community to which they belong.
Also, to facilitate the realisation of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disability. The Child Development Center caters nearly 1000 people with Autism disorder every year, including 150 new cases, which is country's first public sector center to provide multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of developmental problems, including Autism. The centre is also running a flagship program for behavioral management of Autism and claiming INDT-ASD, an Autism Diagnostic Tool for Indian Children- for the diagnosis of Autism.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly -Autism, which refers to a lifelong condition that affects the ability of the person to communicate and relate with others.
Children with autism often have poor language skills, less eye contact, have limited interaction with people around them and have highly specific interest and repetitive behaviours.
Autism occurs in one out of every 100 children.