All across the world, 2nd Aprilwas marked for those in the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. A client was all excited and came up to tell me about some articles she had read up in the local news paper. I asked her, what was so special about the day. Was it any different for her struggle for her son's acceptance into the society? Did the day indicate any improvements in her son's rights to dignity and opportunity? Then what was it that made her so happy? Just a mention of the disorder and the features and treatment (rather... rehabilitation)opprtunities, by the same selected professionals who are mentioned every year with the same comments and similar statistics? The photograph and struggle story of the same parent and her child every year!
Common. Enough of these gimmics. I suggest the reporters, instead of going overboard with the same information every year, why not increase public awareness by helping the acceptance of these children. Many of them can do well in regular schools but are not given any opportunities. There are no vocational courses suited to cater to this group. Each parent struggles in his/her own individual way. Many dont even have access to therapies. Some fall victims to undue medications which though give short term relief from Hyperactivity, but are hazardous to health in the long run.
Its high time the parents of effected children Gain information on more practical aspects rather than form forums which end up only being publisised and they land up wasting time and energy.
The bottom ;line is early identification and commencement of therapies are the only way to maximise the child's potentials and like in all cases there is no short cut to hard work!
