World Autism Day 2nd April 2015 Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage

World Autism Day 2nd April 2015 Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage

Dr M A Aleem MD DM (Neuro)
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Cell 9443159940

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Autism in India

Autism disorder is growing in India which now has over 10 million cases. Experts say early detection of this incurable disease can help a child lead his full potential .


India is home to more than 10 million people with autism and the disability has shown an increase over the last few years. According the recent statistic one in every 68 children today is born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) against a ratio of one in 110 few years back.

There are many myths and misconceptions in our society concerning the development disability like autism. It is necessary that the creation of awareness on autism through various forms of mass media is an important one.

Autistic people are “a group of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication and by restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior . The disease is found to be four times more prevalent in males than females.

We believe that since the first signs usually appear before a child is three years old, early detection of this incurable disease can help a child lead their full potential. In India these symptoms are usually ignored by parents and are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by many , which is the reason for the higher numbers in the country.

The primary thing that an autistic child needs is a proper diagnosis, which is now existing in India.In Tamilnadu Government hospitals well equipped for the early detection of any disability including autism

Children born to older parents or those born prematurely are at a slightly higher risk of developing autism disorder. In some cases it has also been found that harmful drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy exposes the child to this disability. But scientist and researchers are still attempting to recognise the main genetic cause of this disorder.

Right to Education also for autism

Even though the Indian government flagship project, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a vehicle for the Right to Education Act, and the National Trust Act mandate that children suffering from autism too have equal and compulsory right to education, these children usually face discrimination and disparity by school authorities and even students.

India particularly in Tamilnadu there are many special schools for disables with the facilities required by autistic children . Autistic children need trained therapists and educators who make them feel comfortable and teach them more of social skills rather than bookish knowledge.

Parents have proven to be the biggest educators and role models for the autistic children. Parents must help the autistic children realize their real potential and encourage them to fulfill their dreams.

Discrimination still remains

Even as the law provide for facilities of transport, vocational education, banking, housing and other benefits for people and children living with autism, they face harassment, end up becoming the laughing stock of the society and are often discriminated.

Though India is one of the first signatories to the UN Convention on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, lack of awareness hinders mainstreaming of autistic people by the society. Acceptance by the society is all what these people need today.

People often mistake this development disability as a mental disorder. People suffering from autism may be slow learners but as Albert Einstein has proven, they do have brilliant minds


Autism and Employment

In people with autism It is estimated that more than 80% of adults with autism are unemployed.

Research suggests that employers are missing out on abilities that people on the autism spectrum have in greater abundance than “neurotypical” workers do – such as, heightened abilities in pattern recognition and logical reasoning, as well as a greater attention to detail.

The hurdles that need to be overcome to unleash this potential include: a shortage of vocational training, inadequate support with job placement, and pervasive discrimination.

UN declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.