EDITORIAL — Understanding autism
Autistic people used to be hidden by their families at home or kept in special institutions. Today, thanks to research and deeper understanding of the condition, people with autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder can be integrated into the social mainstream and lead productive lives.
There is continuing research into autistic people with exceptionally high intelligence and great creativity, indicating that they could simply be wired differently. Some quarters have suggested that Albert Einstein was autistic. In such cases, there are those who argue that intervention can prove harmful.
But there are also studies indicating that children whose autism is detected early in life can benefit from intervention, though some autism support groups resent the implications of the word. Most people in remote or impoverished communities are unaware that there are special assistance programs for the autistic. When faced with the challenge of autism, these people simply throw up their hands in surrender, leaving the fate of the afflicted to divine intervention. For those who do manage to get proper diagnosis for an autistic child, intervention and special education can be too costly. In such cases, the future of the autistic child is again left to fate.
This is where the government can step in, with assistance from concerned groups. Yesterday the government kicked off the 12th National Autism Consciousness Week, with the theme, “Hope Abounds for Individuals with Autism.” The Autism Society of the
Assistance is particularly needed by those who can barely afford basic health care. People who can’t afford even generic medicine for diarrhea are not going to invest in special care for an autistic member of the family. Support programs are available for both the autistic person and the relatives. As in other special conditions, better understanding can go a long way in helping the autistic lead a productive life.
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