Η International Autism Day, was established in 2007 by the UN and is celebrated every year on 2
April. This initiative aims to raise public awareness of the needs of
autistic people, contributing to their acceptance and integration into society. On World Autism Day, hundreds of buildings around the world are illuminated in blue to participate in the
"Light It Up Blue" event shedding light on the dark side of isolation and
marginalisation experienced by these people.
Autism is a lifelong, complex, congenital neurodevelopmental disorder that usually
is manifested in the development phase. The clinical features of autism include
lack of social interaction and communication, the manifestation of stereotypical repetitive
Behaviour, the existence of language disorders or speech impairment, whether or not of a significant degree
mental retardation or other medical conditions.
What is the cause of Autism?
Over the last 20 years the prevalence of autism has increased significantly and appears to exceed 1%, affecting boys more often. The aetiology of the disorder is still unclear, but it is now documented that genetic and environmental factors are responsible and are likely to have an effect during pregnancy or the first weeks of life. Age first diagnosis has also decreased, but most children with autism are still diagnosed after the age of 4 years, which means that they start receiving intervention at an age when behavioural difficulties and functional deficits are to some extent consolidated.
How important is early diagnosis?
Early diagnosis is now possible from the age of 2 years and early initiation of appropriate interventions is crucial for the development of children with autism as it can lead to a reduction in challenging behaviours, improvement in communication and social skills, increase in autonomy and functionality.
Early intervention programmes focus on behavioural modification, motivation and initiative and skills learning in all areas of development and for their success it is essential that they are also applied in home environment with the active participation of the whole family.
The Austrian L. Kanner was the first to describe autism in 1943 and linked the disorder to "cold" parental behaviour, a hypothesis that was not scientifically confirmed but contributed to the stigmatisation of individuals with autism and their families. The particular behaviour of people with autism and various such theories contribute drastically to their marginalisation. These individuals are mainly in need of acceptance and social support. It is equally important to broaden the update and Awareness raising all social actors for adults with autism so that they experience acceptance and equality in their daily lives.
source:
www.autismgreece.gr.
www.aixmi-news.gr
