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Autism is a complex developmental disability that appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects communication skills. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.

Children and adults with autism have difficulties in verbal and non–verbal communication, social interaction, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self–injurious behavior could result.

Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people, or attachments to objects, and resistance to changes in routine.

A center for autistic children exists at Priyanj Ashiana (Telephone: +91 022 8841193), Sanket Building, Evershine Nagar, Malad (W), Mumbai. Here, children receive structured intervention on a one–to–one basis. A monthly parent enrichment program has also been recently started.

Rubina Lal, a lecturer at SNDT and chairperson of the advisory board of the above institute feels there is no awareness in our society about autism. She calls for Government intervention in bringing about better understanding among parents.

“The general public, psychologists and teachers need to be educated about autism. Children are rejected from special schools because of the complexity of the disorder. Most teacher training courses do not have autism as a component. Even some doctors are unaware of it, and hence unable to guide the child and parents in the right direction, she asserts”.

Read more: Tackling Autism in India