Proper environment for autistics in families, schools stressed

Experts have stressed the need for creating a congenial atmosphere for autistic children in families and schools to help ensure their equal participation in society.

"It's very important to create a congenial atmosphere for the children with autism disorder at home and school as it can flourish their mental growth,"said president of Parent's Forum for Differently Able Sanjida Rahman Danny.

She said the physically-challenged people will have to be groomed through more affection and love by other people as they are an integral part of society.

Sanjida, also the executive director of Vocational Training Center, said as (medical) treatment and schooling for autistic kids are expensive, it is a burden for a family that has to take care of their other children.

"If our government takes initiatives for a cost-effective programme for autistic children, thousands of families will be benefited from it, " she said.

As a parent, one knows their child better than anyone and observing the kid's behaviours and quirks, they can understand the symptoms of autism early.

No matter what autism treatment plan is chosen, parent's involvement is vital to success. They could be very much helpful if they work hand-in-hand with the autism treatment team and with the right treatment plan as well as a lot of love and support, the child can learn, grow and thrive.

"All with mutual cooperation among professionals and health, education and social service sectors have to work together in this regard, said Dr Shaheena Akhter, chief of Centre for Neurodevelopment and Autism in Children at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

She underlined the need for creating mass awareness especially among bureaucrats about the right of autistic children for their better care in a coordinated manner from primary to tertiary levels to maintain a suitable environment.

She called for implementing programmes on a priority basis through proper distribution of human resources and assets.

Saima Hossain Putul, the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh, has put emphasis on the importance of training to identify autism.

According to Saima, a USA-licensed autism and clinical psychology specialist, "Professional training is required for identifying children affected with autism. Those who work at community level should be trained on the ailment."

She pointed out that Bangladesh has achieved an exemplary progress in preventing autism, a disorder of neural development, during the recent past.

"One of the most important parts is awareness of the parents, who, better than any other social unit, can and should increase awareness of the mental health needs of children and change the way of our communities respond to those needs," Dr Aliya Naheed, said interim head of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Unit of ICDDR,B.

Autism is a life-long developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families,communities and societies.

Source: BSS.