AUTISM - Awareness and Acceptance
- swayamsiddha1980
- Apr 1, 2023
- 3 min read
Blog in support of World Autism Awareness Day by our guest writer - Ms. Lavanya Rajagopalan
An old African proverb says that it takes a village to raise a child. It is even more true for autistic children. In India, where mental afflictions are still taboo, the word ‘autism’ is still unwelcome. The word conjures up images of troubled individuals and the subject is still not well understood by a vast majority of the population.
Autism is a life-long disability which arises due to difference in the development of the brain. It is difficult to define autism with a specific set of conditions. Rather, it is defined as a spectrum of conditions which includes a set of neurological disorders. Conditions may vary from mild to severe. However, this does not mean that an autistic individual is unable to function. While they possess the necessary life skills, such skills develop at a different pace than normal. This also results in each autistic individual being rather unique in their qualities or limitations.
In India, approximately 18 million individuals live with autism. The numbers could be higher as low awareness and misdiagnosis could have hidden the real numbers. Social stigma is also a reason as parents strive to hide the condition of the child.
Many of us have found ourselves in a situation where we have observed autistic people with awkward and stolen glances. Our children would have asked why such people are behaving strangely. This would be a good opportunity to educate ourselves as well as the kids about autism. It would also help to be inclusive and spread our social circle by including all individuals. Engaging with NGOs who work with autistic individuals and allowing children to interact with them will also help in increasing acceptance of autism in society.
In Swayam Siddha Society, we have close to 15 members who exhibit different autistic traits. Mangesh, our member from Chembur centre has the problem of repetitive talking; Manisha, another member from Chembur has the habit of talking to herself; Roshan, a sweet boy in early twenties is a little slow to understand and react to circumstances. They may all differ in their autism behavior, but they have one thing in common – they are all wonderful people and a very happy bunch – it’s a joy to interact and work with them day in and day out. They too, are very happy to be working alongside each other. Our Non-profit’s small workspace gives them joy and something to look forward to everyday. They are all able craftsmen and are involved in our handicrafts making.
Our members Mangesh & Deepak building sand castle
April 2nd is celebrated world over as World Autism Awareness Day. In 2007, the United Nations Assembly declared April 2nd as the day in order to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with autism. This initiative and the resulting media exposure have increased awareness about autism. Acceptance, while still a long way off, would help people with autism live better lives in a safer environment.
If you wish to know more about us, volunteer with us or help institutes like us which work with autistic people, giving them a safe and happy environment to work, please visit our centres and interact with our members through our Contact Us page.
You can also donate to us, so that we can support more Autistic members in our society and equip them with better skillsets. Please visit the DONATE tab and contribute to raise awareness and acceptance of Autistic members in the society.
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