Let us be sensitive to autistic children

Globally, one in 160 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the World Health Organization.

ASDs cover conditions such as autism, childhood disintegrative disorder and asperger syndrome.

The question is: How can society help children living with the condition, their families and loved ones?

The first thing is to know about the condition and handle the affected children from a point of knowledge.

RELATIONS

Autism is highly subjective but some of the ways it manifests itself range from a combination of hearing problems, delayed speech development, impaired socio-communicative interaction with a limited ability to recognise the feelings of others, lower to heightened intellectual ability and repetitive obsessional behaviour in interests and activities.

Of paramount consideration is that for autistic children, the concept of human relationships is difficult to grasp.

What comes natural to you in communication with others and making friends is a challenge to these children.

Thus, the socially accepted rules of interaction do not resonate with children with autism because their technique of engagement is unique to them.

It is therefore not out of choice that a child would blurt out inappropriate words during conversation.

TREATMENT

The cause of autism is actually unknown.

Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental and genetic.

In years gone by, parents lived in great fear after autism was linked to measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.

It is now clear there was no scientific evidence that linked the vaccines to a risk in a child developing autism.

Unfortunately, autism is a lifelong condition with no cure or preventative medication.

It starts from childhood and becomes more apparent in adolescence and adulthood.

EMPATHY

A child can be diagnosed from the age of two to four years, but like any other condition you have to know what to look for.

The hardest thing for parents is admitting that there is something unusual about their perfect creation.

This makes it even harder for them to seek help since the doctor could confirm their worst fears.

The only other thing that is worse is hearing that confirmation from a casual bystander or observer.

For this very reason, we ought to be more sensitive and empathetic towards parents and children who appear or are indeed autistic.

Of even greater consideration, these children who are already highly sensitive can understand every single word you say despite appearing disinterested.

Those around them should, therefore, show compassion, especially to the parents of the child.

Where possible, lend a hand.

COMMUNICATION

And have you ever stopped to ask yourself how an autistic child views the world?

It must be challenging to be in a world where they cannot express themselves.

When they do, their attempts are more often than not met with pre-conceived judgments.

This is what one child with autism said: “I cannot control banging my head on the wall and when I do, people look at me like I am weird. I cannot sit still for long.

"I am cumbersome, I lash out, so you call me naughty. Why am I misunderstood? More painfully, I do not understand social situations to recognise and interpret other people’s feelings and manage my own.

"I am always confused by the harsh reactions and stares I receive... Why are you calling me difficult? I am not strange, just autistic.”

How would you handle such a child?

SUPPORT

Worryingly, autism is on the rise. Like the cause, it is not quite clear why this is so, or if this can be attributed to improved awareness, better recognition, diagnosis, broader definitions and improved reporting.

Given the trend, however, there is more reason to offer support to autistic children and those close to them.

Primary healthcare services are the vital point of contact for early detection of autism.

Vitally, we must push for them to be better equipped for early detection and to provide the much-needed care and support to the children and their families.

DIAGNOSIS

This early diagnosis cannot be taken for granted.

It is the crucial step towards the child recognising they are autistic, which in turn aids in managing the condition.

Specialised teaching, either by trained tutors in regular or special schools, should be prioritised by public representatives.

The writer works with international businesses on commercial litigation. [email protected]