2016 Oct 27
Autism: a condition that mustn’t be ignored and one that really does speak to a person’s heart once encountered with. It is a complex neurodevelopment/ brain development disorder, present from early childhood and lasts throughout the person’s life. They tend to face difficulties in communicating, but do form relationships with other people through means of using language and abstract concepts. The specific nature of this state is that these children face paucity primarily in social behavior and communication. The condition is determined at the time of birth although it becomes more evident as the child grows older and the social relationships and language development does not happen as one would hope it would.
Each individual with autism is notably one of a kind. Many of those on the autism spectrum have extraordinary abilities in visual skills, music as well as academic skills, and about 40% have average to above average intellectual capabilities. Indeed, many people on the gamut take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and unique ways of facing life. Others with autism have significant disabilities and are unable to live independently. About one third of people with Autism is nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. In the words of speaker, author and teacher, Adele Devine, “Children with Autism are colourful- they are often very beautiful and, like the rainbow, they stand out.”
As suggested by the Sri Lanka Association for Child Development (SLACD), the key is to identify it at an early stage and to have regular and supervised intervention. By doing so, the functional outcome of children can be improved.
Like the introduction to this piece states, Autism is not a condition that should be taken lightly, insulted or ignored. In this light, SLACD along with Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) launched an island-wide Autism Awareness Campaign to ensure that every child diagnosed with the condition receives early detection and attention, minimising the negative impacts Autism can bring upon their lives. They announced that their plan is to roll out a comprehensive programme to create awareness amongst all Sri Lankans.
Individuals on the spectrum, however, are some of the most inspirational characters you would ever meet in your lifetime. For instance, Joshua Dushack: a youth who attended Seton Hill University. His parents were told by professionals that he would never learn how to read, write, got to school without assistance, or even talk. He is now a high school AND college graduate. That’s more than some of us, who had it easier, have ever achieved. In his post about his life and all the struggles that came with it, Joshua said, “Life for me is not about finding the root of my autism, but really about finding how to cope with it. Life has always been a challenge for me, and it still is; but I’m not giving up. Just keep coping with your challenges, embrace your fears and most of all, find your strengths. In other words, just keep going.”
