GLOBAL AUTISM AWARENESS AND HOW BEST CAN WE PARTICIPATE AND CONTRIBUTE IN THIS SIGNATURE EVENT ?

World Autism Awareness Day is being observed today. This day marks creating  awareness about the disorders and neurodevelopmental differences of people with autism i.e. to create proper understanding of autism. A pediatrician's screening and diagnosis of a child by the time a child reaches 2 years of age is usually more reliable, and behavioral symptoms can be acutely observed as early as 6 months of age. Screening for developmental disorders such as autism is a common part of monitoring and screening in modern medicine.  

Autism occurs at similar rates in all racial and socioeconomic groups. It cannot be said with certainty that this is the cause of the autistic disorder. It is noteworthy to mention that only within the last century have we seen the discovery, development, and treatments for autism. The term was first ‘coined’ in the early 1900s to describe a specific cluster of symptoms of those with schizophrenia and extreme social withdrawal. 

Two very important articles, viz., “Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact,” by Dr. Leo Kanner (in 1943) and another article on definition of autistic psychopathology by Dr. Hans Asperger paved the way for autism research and helped to classify autism as a disorder separate from schizophrenia. In 1973, Dr. Ivar Lovaas created what is now known as Applied Behavioural Analysis or ABA therapy. In 2013, the notion of autism as a spectrum was considered by the ‘American Psychiatric Association.’  

According to researchers, genetic imbalances, environmental pollution, toxic chemicals and minerals in the air...soil may be the cause. Another broader view is that autism can be caused by a metabolic defect and also through heredity. Because everyone's reasons are  quite different, an ultimately clear cause of autism is  yet to be defined.  

One percent of the world’s population lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Investigation and research surrounding autism is still in full swing. In the meanwhile, here is the list containing certain  famous celebrities who are on the autism spectrum. Viz., Satoshi Tajiri who is the creator of “Pokémon” . He is a video game designer too. (2)Alexis Wineman: Autism advocate, Miss America pageant contestant, and “Miss Montana.” (3) Daryl Hannah: Hollywood actress best known for her roles in Steel Magnolias, Wall Street, etc.(4) Dan Aykroyd who happens to be an  actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician. 

 There is so much we can do to raise awareness around autism spectrum disorder, and by celebrating World Autism Awareness Day.  Resolution to celebrate World Autism Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18th December, 2007 to encourage members of state to take action in raising awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Customised celebrations of  WAAD:  

On 2nd April every year, the world turns blue in honour of World Autism Awareness Day. The reason we go blue is due to the campaign “Light it Up Blue” spearheaded by AUTISM SPEAKS, an organisation which aims to foster understanding and acceptance for those with autism. Participants and supporters are encouraged to wear blue, join events around the world, and use the hashtag #LightItUpBlue to understand and raise awareness. ING  

We too can be active participants by finding different ways in celebrating  World Autism Awareness Day in our community and encourage friends, family, and coworkers to join us. In many cities across the world,  we witness  corporates and landmarks lighting up their premises with blue lighting. Iconic places are being lit up blue on this day. 

Many Autism Services related collaboratives under the aegis of statewide host this day by arranging for Autism Awareness Resource Fairs and Family Day by arranging for  Questions and Answer sessions on Autism , panel discussions, etc. followed by refreshments. These campaigns are sure to pave way for strengthening the community by getting people to participate and for providing networking opportunities. It is therefore more  about recognising the very real and difficult challenges that face families affected by autism.  It is time we create more actionable change in support of these campaigns through adopting successful strategies. . 

 It is in the knowledge of the medical fraternity that no two autistic people are the same and autism may not be what we  think it is.   As we browse many stories,  resources , hear audios and watch videotapes,  a unique message surely comes before our minds, , i.e., “be patient, show compassion and commitment and kind, but not be a super judge.”. If at all, we desire to see a change, it is only simple accommodation which is an appreciable launching pad, but in due course of time let us hope we will  be encouraged to involve and implemtnt more. And more so, it is to help recognise the symptoms, increase our own understanding and promote kindness and inclusivity.