Today is Autism Awareness Day - What's all the Fuss about Autism?

The birth of a child has a life changing effect on a family, and when a child is born with a disability, the effect is even more pronounced. Most parents whose child is diagnosed with autism normally have a hard time coming to terms with this reality. This is quite understandable in view of the fact that the understanding of autism is still not very widespread, and the condition currently has no known cure. Some parents might even grapple with the feeling that they are in some way responsible for their child's condition. But the truth is that there is absolutely no basis for parents to harbor any guilt feelings or fears about their child being diagnosed with autism. 

If however, you observe traits in your child that you don't understand or gets you worried, and if you can associate some of these traits with autism, you need to discuss your concerns with your doctor immediately. If your child has already been diagnosed with autism, you need to take action as soon as possible. It is advisable for parents having a child with autism to get information about treatment options. They also need to work with a doctor to formulate a treatment plan that meets their child’s needs.

Contemporary research and emerging technologies has helped children with autism to live better lives. In addition, through effective treatment plans, support of family members and caregivers, children with autism could live healthier, behave more appropriately and even get included into general education settings.

A child living with autism can make good progress and live a fulfilled adult life. But the parents need to empower themselves with the right knowledge. They don't have to wait for professionals to give them all the answers - parents equally have an important role to play in their child's development.

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is associated with a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.

Here are some quick facts about Autism:

• It is a developmental disability, and is neurological (i.e. brain-based).
• It is more of biological than psychological.
• Autism is the most common among some disorders on a spectrum known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs).
• Autism is usually diagnosed by the time a child is 3 years old.
• Autism could affect any person no matter where they are from, or their socioeconomic status.
• Autism affects as many as 1.5 million people in the United States alone, with about 24,000 children being diagnosed every year.
• Autism is diagnosed four times as often in boys than in girls.
• Children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder need early intervention as soon as possible.

If you’re in Nigeria, and you're concerned that your child might have an ASD or other developmental problem, what should you do?" ...Get the answer and more at this FREE seminar: