Not an illness

Letter April 03, 2023
Not an illness

KARACHI:

Neurosciences have made tremendous progress in recent years, which has improved awareness of autism. Autism is commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a condition related to brain development that affects a person’s perception and how they behave in society. It was previously thought of as a disorder as sometimes autistic people may have trouble interacting and communicating with people. However, these difficulties in speech or behaviours stem from a wide range of symptoms and severity.

Over time, improved research has shown that ASD is not an illness instead it means that people with ASD function differently from others. Rather than focusing on the cure, the world has shifted to a paradigm of neurodiversity that has paved ways to emphasise the acceptance, sustenance, and inclusivity of autistic people in society. Therefore, it is important to advocate for the rights of autistic people. We need to collectively transform attitudes and allow autistic individuals to function as equal members of society. Discriminatory behaviour should be avoided. The United Nations declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, but one day is not enough to improve awareness about autism, especially in a society like ours where autism is still considered an ailment.

There should be consistent efforts to educate people to accept autistic people as part of society instead of isolating them. This year’s theme for WAAD was “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts, and in policymaking.” The healthcare department should undertake the initiative to improve awareness about autism and inform people of ways to support autistic individuals. Parents should be encouraged to seek doctor and therapist’s support to raise children with autism. Everyone can help in improving the quality of life of autistic people so they can lead meaningful lives and become an integral part of society.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2023.

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