Autism consciousness

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling, and according to Autism Society Philippines , affects an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 Filipino families.

This week, as the country observes the 12 th Autism Consciousness Week, the spotlight is on this disorder, which, unfortunately, has no cure, but whose effects may be lessened with timely diagnosis, followed by intervention, therapy, and special education. In a country where the delivery of basic health services leave much to be desired, as emphasized by a recent report that revealed that 18 Eastern Visayas towns do not even have a doctor, the goal of raising awareness on autism, and providing the proper support for autistic individuals, as well as their families who must bear the burden of taking care of this special need, is sure to be an uphill battle.

In spite of the odds, the government and the NGO's involved in the fight to increase consciousness on autism continue to do what they can to lay the groundwork for a world that will be more friendly to those families who have to deal with autism. This week gives them the chance to put the spotlight on this noble cause, so they can increase public awareness on this condition that is often misunderstood, one that is met with ridicule by the unaware, despair by the impoverished loved ones of the affected whose limited means leave them with limited options for seeking treatment, giving an extremely limited chance for those affected with autism harness their special talents and become productive members of society.

In the case of autism, as with other special conditions, awareness regarding the condition and the options available to those families who have to deal with autism, is the best weapon in the fight to give our autistic brothers and sisters a genuine chance to smoothly integrate themselves into mainstream society, and maybe even change the world just like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, who were speculated to have been autistic as well.*