Sonya Hussyn says autism is symptom of schizophrenia, gets schooled

Sonya Hussyn has landed herself in hot waters thanks to a comment on Instagram.

The Ishq Zahe Naseeb actor is all set to star as the lead in the upcoming drama serial, Saraab,  based on a schizophrenic girl. In an effort to promote the project, she posted a poster listing down several different mental illnesses that can be a symptom of schizophrenia. The poster also featured 'autism' on the list. 

A fan commented that she is a mother to two autistic children and that, "Autism is not a mental illness, it is a disorder," to which Sonya replied, "It is one of the symptoms in schizophrenia. Her comment led to a barrage of replies from other followers, calling her out for her statement. 

Many also took to Twitter to take jibes at her statement, calling her ill-informed, and how maybe a "two-minute Google search would've helped."

One person even implied how many Pakistani actors seem just as clueless about different things, tweeting, "Pakistani celebs are at it again."

One user pointed out how it is high time that Pakistani actors start being more involved in their projects. "Not that I expect our celebs to be bastions of knowledge but about time they read up on what they're representing through art rather than try to use a cause to their benefit. Actors in Hollywood take months to understand and get into character," they tweeted. 

Talking to The Express Tribune earlier in April, Sonya had shared how she in fact had done ample research before digging into the sensitive project. "For about two months, the makers kept in touch with me about my training which gave me the confidence that I can pull this off," she had said. 

Sonya added that as a part of her training, she visited rehab centers with her director and producer to meet with patients suffering from the disorder before officially taking on the role. According to Sonya herself, the drama serial is "entire documentation from diagnosis, to treatment and to potential recovery. It is basically the story of a seemingly ‘normal’ girl in a normal setting, who has symptoms of schizophrenia that people around her are unable to recognise.”

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