Autistic children
At a round table discussion held in the capital on Tuesday experts stress that parents need to play the key role in raising their autistic children so that their talents and potentials flourish properly. This indeed is especially true in Bangladesh as, generally speaking, persons living with mental or physical disabilities do not find adequate support from the state or society in this country. And this applies equally to those living with autism, a neurological condition characterised by difficulty in communication. Parents whose children are diagnosed with autism have to grapple with challenges such as lack of awareness, a dearth of professional medical expertise, almost nonexistent health care and, most of all, social stigma. These challenges lead to denial and the isolation. Caring for children with autism is a full-time job, and it requires great moral courage and stamina on the part of the parents.
In fact, when it comes to autism, there is very little by way of data or awareness about the condition in this country. We would like to remind the government that this neurological condition needs to be placed high on the national health agenda in order to lend support to families with autistic children and individuals living with the condition. The sad truth is that autism often fails to register on the official radar as a health issue. Most hospitals are not equipped to deal with children with autism, which can range from severe to mild. While some parents in urban areas have formed NGOs and self-help groups, there is very little information on autism prevalence in rural and remote areas. Even in this day and age autistic children are often believed to be possessed by those not aware of the medical condition, which can lead to such youngsters being ridiculed or shunned.
Instead of pitying, or worse, ignoring children with autism, the state as well as the society must make efforts to rehabilitate them and unlock their hidden potential. Social media has also helped bring people together to form support networks. The health authorities should encourage support groups working for autism awareness, while they should lay down the legal and physical infrastructure that can help address this vital health concern.
Bangladesh needs more and more specialist physicians, special educators, psychologists, therapists to confront the issue comprehensively. Conjointly, adequate screening for autism, culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions, scientifically based academic programmes in inclusive settings, appropriate job trainings and sheltered accommodations for young adults with disabilities are the major future challenges for Bangladesh like any other country of the world.
