World Autism Day 2021: How Little We Know And What We Should Do To Help Those Suffering

Every year on April 2, the United Nations celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with the sole motive to spread awareness among the people about autism. Raising awareness will help people understand and accept those who are suffering from autism, support them, and spread kindness.

What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a developmental disability that causes several challenges for an individual including social, communication and behavioural difficulties. Though various organizations all over the world contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of ASD, it is important for people to know about this disorder.

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Where does the problem lie?

The rate of autism across all regions of the world is high. The lack of understanding in this regard has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities. So, developing a positive approach in this regard can be possible by having greater awareness about autism and ways to deal with it to make a humane and kind hearted society.

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What do we need to do?

Build a conversation

First of all, there is a big need for empathy for kids and adults suffering from the disorder. Do listen to their problems and acknowledge their struggle with getting angry or irritated. The child should be taught to express anger without getting aggressive. The children need to be counselled that don't have to hide their anger and frustration within.

Develop right attitude

In our society, the people with disabilities including autism are seen as an outcast or a pariah. People try to avoid them and even go to the extent of harassing them. Thus, the World Autism Awareness Day serves as a vital tool to develop an inclusive and caring society to ensure that children and adults with autism can live a life with dignity. Autism spectrum disorder or ASD is a developmental disorder and doesn't have any cure.

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Let go off stigma, discrimination

Stigma and discrimination are still prevalent with regard to disabilities associated with neurological disorders. These two factors serve as hindrance to the diagnosis and therapies of autism. The society in general and policymakers in particular need to work on how to address the problems of stigma and discrimination in this regard.

What are the common symptoms?

One can notice the symptoms of the disorder from childhood that is from the age of two to three years. However, until many children grow up, this disorder is not recognised. The symptoms include the inability to perform daily tasks, trouble in building relationships, paranoid and limited and repetitive abnormal behaviour.

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The UN Secretary-General's message for 2021 is: As we work together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, one key goal must be to build a more inclusive and accessible world that recognizes the contributions of all people, including persons with disabilities. The crisis has created new obstacles and challenges. But efforts to reignite the global economy offer an opportunity to reimagine the workplace to make diversity, inclusion, and equity a reality.