World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day — all you need to know about it!
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restrictive and monotonous behavior. Experts believe that autism develops within the first three years of a person’s life. The cause of autism includes both environmental factors as well as genetic proneness. The list below states the most commonly known characteristics of ASD identified among people.
Social skills A person with ASD interacts with other individuals differently as compared to the rest of the population. They seem to be socially clumsy and sometimes offensive in his/her comments. Severe symptoms indicate that the person may not be interested in other people at all. Physical contact A large population of children suffering from ASD doesn’t like cuddling or being touched. Although there are many children with autism who will hug a relative, but it becomes a question of practice and anticipation that physical contact is about to happen. Empathy A person with autism will find it difficult to understand other people’s feelings. His or her ability to empathize with others is weaker compared to the rest. Over a period of time, empathy does improve in people with ASD, but it never comes as naturally to them as it does to others. Speech Almost half of the individuals with ASD don’t develop enough natural speech to meet their daily communication needs. Many children with ASD don’t speak at all. They might often repeat words or phrases they hear — a condition known as echolalia. Repetitive behavior A person suffering from ASD likes predictability. They have a repetitive behavior. For example, it could mean drawing the same picture again and again, or arranging objects in stacks or lines. To others, these repetitive behaviors may seem like bizarre rites, but it is a routine for a person with ASD.
Since 2008, World Autism Awareness Day has been observed on 2nd April. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, it was proposed by Qatar and supported by all member states. It encourages people to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society.
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restrictive and monotonous behavior. Experts believe that autism develops within the first three years of a person’s life. The cause of autism includes both environmental factors as well as genetic proneness. The list below states the most commonly known characteristics of ASD identified among people.
Social skills A person with ASD interacts with other individuals differently as compared to the rest of the population. They seem to be socially clumsy and sometimes offensive in his/her comments. Severe symptoms indicate that the person may not be interested in other people at all. Physical contact A large population of children suffering from ASD doesn’t like cuddling or being touched. Although there are many children with autism who will hug a relative, but it becomes a question of practice and anticipation that physical contact is about to happen. Empathy A person with autism will find it difficult to understand other people’s feelings. His or her ability to empathize with others is weaker compared to the rest. Over a period of time, empathy does improve in people with ASD, but it never comes as naturally to them as it does to others. Speech Almost half of the individuals with ASD don’t develop enough natural speech to meet their daily communication needs. Many children with ASD don’t speak at all. They might often repeat words or phrases they hear — a condition known as echolalia. Repetitive behavior A person suffering from ASD likes predictability. They have a repetitive behavior. For example, it could mean drawing the same picture again and again, or arranging objects in stacks or lines. To others, these repetitive behaviors may seem like bizarre rites, but it is a routine for a person with ASD.
Since 2008, World Autism Awareness Day has been observed on 2nd April. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, it was proposed by Qatar and supported by all member states. It encourages people to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society.
