World Autism Awareness Day 2023: Many things are said about people with Autism but not all of them are true. It is important to become aware and be more sensitive about it.
World Autism Awareness Day 2023: Mental health is not something we talk about every day, but we should. In an attempt to spread more awareness about various mental health disorders, there are designated days to commemorate the. One of them is World Autism Awareness Day. Autism is a neurological condition that affects brain development. This also further affects how people with autism perceive social situations, how they communicate, etc. Every year, April 2 is celebrated as World Autism Awareness Day. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of people with autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as integral part of society.
This initiative was taken in 2008, after the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which reaffirms the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote, protect and guarantee the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and promote respect for their inherent dignity.
According to a UN statement, “The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on individuals, their families and communities. Stigma and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that both policy makers in developing countries and donor countries must address.
Therefore, in order to break these stereotypes, we must first break the myths surrounding autism and become more sensitive towards it.
Autism Day 2023: 5 myths you should stop believing in
1. Myth: Autism is totally curable
Made: Autism is a behavior and communication disorder that can be greatly modified through various therapies, the word cure may not be the right word as any behavior is modifiable but not curable, said Dr. Jigyasha Sinha, consultant, Peadatics neurologist and epileptologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Mumbai, speaking to india.com
2. Myth: There is a link between vaccines and autism.
Facts: There is no link between the vaccine and autism. Many studies have shown this and the vaccines are absolutely safe in autistic children like any other child, Sinha added.
3. Myth: People with autism tend to be more violent and lack emotion.
Made: It’s time to break this myth. Autistic children can read emotions and feel empathy. Their forms of expression can be variable. Autism spectrum disorder affects brain development, and therefore also affects your perception of the world, social cues, and emotions.
4. Myth: Autism only affects the brain.
Made: With the increasing number of cases over the past decade, studies now show that autism affects multiple body systems including metabolic, mitochondrial, immune, gastrointestinal, and neurological. Therefore, autistic children often have to deal with other underlying health problems as well.
Myth: Autistic people don’t talk much.
Made: Although nonverbal autism is a subset of autism spectrum disorder, most autistic children can speak despite having language and communication problems, Dr. Sinha said.
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