1 in 59 children suffers from autism

Islamabad : Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

Several factors may influence the development of autism and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal disorder, seizures or sleep disorder, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues. Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.

Haleema Sadia, Autism Specialist at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad shared this information with participants of an awareness seminar on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day organised by Shifa International Hospital here Wednesday.

Speaking as chief guest, Dr. Assad Hafeez, Director General Health and Chairman of the Executive Board of WHO said, we all should play our part in changing attitudes toward persons with autism and in recognising their rights as citizens, as like everyone else, they too are entitled to claim those rights and make decisions for their lives in accordance with their own will and preferences.

Dr. Assad also underlined the need to acknowledge efforts of parents, teachers and caregivers who provide support to those living with ASD. “As parents, we should realise that having autism makes a child different from their peers in areas of learning, communication, speech, emotions, and even in various health issues.

Dr. Manzoor-ul-Haq Qazi, chief executive officer of SIH, said World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day that represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness and acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands of people facing an autism diagnosis each year. “The media can play an important role in disseminating this message to the broader set of audience,” he added.

Consultant Paediatrician Prof. Dr. Syed Hashim Raza, specialist in neuro-development and neuro-disability at PIMS and Dr. Nosheen Abbas, Certified Holistic Nutritionist (UK), also spoke to educate the audience. They discussed the most common characteristics of autism.

Dr. Abdul Wahab Yousafzai, consultant psychiatrist at SIH said early diagnosis and proper interventions result in better functioning of the individual ensuring his/her acceptance in the society. Dr. Brig Lubna Sohail, Administrator Support Services Division at SIH, shared Shifa is providing all autism-related activities under one roof. Treatment and services available in Shifa include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, Sensory Integration and Occupational Therapy. “We need to work on promoting equality, equity and inclusion, and playing our role in enabling persons with ASD to exercise their rights and freedom,” she stated.