Creating awareness on Autism

Autism is not a business or a disease, it’s a condition.

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Siddiqa Hussain, Consultant Child, Adolescent & Family Therapy Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist and a certified doctor from United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) speaks about autism and its abuse.

The actual description of the word “Autism” came from Greek word “autos” meaning self.  The term depicts a condition where a person moves out from social interactions and therefore lives in their own world.

Taking time off her busy schedule to speak to DT News, she said, “People, nowadays, are abusing and overusing autism.  They are making it a business. Some of them even recommend dietary controls for children with autism.”

“I would suggest using the term ‘children with Autism’ and not ‘autistic children’,” she added.

Children with autism have difficulty in communicating, verbally and in gesticulating. In addition, they also show repetitive behaviors. However, latest studies show that delayed speech has nothing to do with autism.

The clearest evidence of autism risk factor involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at time of conception, maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving episodes of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain.

During the Mid 40’s Autism was diagnosed under the category of Schizophrenia, but in the late 80’s, it has been placed in a separate condition.

“I have come across several cases where the child who has been diagnosed with autism at the age of four showed no signs of the disease when he/she attained the age of seven or eight,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr.Siddiqa said there has to be an adequate system to support the hidden talent of children with autism.

“We should allow them to mingle with normal children, be it in school or in playground. There shouldn’t be any discrimination. Autism can be associated with intellectual impairment, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, but some cases, they excel in visual skills, music, math and art,” she said.

While Autism is believed to be a ‘newfangled condition’, histories and records have disclosed that many notable figures like Albert Einstein and Amadeus Mozart in history may have been on the autistic spectrum.