Autistic children are special
THE 12th annual World Autism Day fell on April 2 this year. In fact, the whole month of April has been declared as World Autism Month.
According to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), a nonprofit, nationwide non-governmental welfare organisation which was formed in 1987 by a group of concerned parents and professionals, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life due to a neurological disorder that affects brain function.
NASOM data shows that autism and its associated behaviours have been estimated to occur in as many as one in 68 newborns.
This means that about 9,000 babies in Malaysia are born with autism every year. It is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, and cuts across family income, lifestyle and educational levels.
According to NASOM, the symptoms of autism manifest in children between the ages of 2 and 6. These include not fearing danger, being too sensitive or not sensitive at all to pain, avoiding eye contact, difficulty in expressing what they want or need, highly dependent on a set routine and may show an overall difficulty in interacting with others.
EFFECTS OF AUTISM
Autistic children have difficulties in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. They struggle to express themselves in verbal and non-verbal communication, during social interactions and leisure or play activities.
It’s not difficult to imagine the challenges they face in interacting with the outside world. Some even demonstrate aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour, which can further isolate them socially.
NASOM also reported that they may exhibit repeated body movements such as hand flapping or rocking, exhibit unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and can be resistant to changes in routines.
They possibly will experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Some children with autism do not speak at all, but most do develop speech although speech is usually delayed, limited or inappropriate. Some may repeat words or mimic sentences or phrases they have observed from someone else.
As yet, there is no cure for autism but there is a great amount of different medications that are prescribed to reduce the symptoms and better manage the patient. Parents must talk to their healthcare provider urgently and as early as possible if they suspect that their child is autistic.
FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
But it’s not all bad for autistic people. Many have grown up to contribute positively and even change the world in their own ways.
One of them is Woody Allen. This talented actor and musician is famous for his quirky ways. He once famously said: “I have a lot of neurotic habits. I don’t like to go into elevators, I don’t go through tunnels, I like the drain in the shower to be in the corner and not in the middle.”
Other famous people with autism include Dan Aykroyd, Susan Boyle, Tim Burton, Daryl Hannah, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jerry Seinfeld.
But the most famous and successful of all is Bill Gates. Yes, Bill Gates — the richest man in the world — is autistic. Though it was never confirmed, autism experts generally agree that Gates demonstrates many symptoms of autism.
When he was small, he even had problems in his studies and social life. But nobody is questioning him now.
So, as you can see, autistic children are indeed special. However, they need the right early intervention as well parental support, guidance and love.