New lease of life for the autistic
Medical experts have identified autism as a neuro-developmental
disorder, a mental condition where a person is unable to communicate or
form relationship with others. Environmental and genetic factors are
probable causes, according to researchers. There is no known cure, but
instances where children have recovered are not uncommon.
 In
2010, there were around 1-2 cases per 1000 reported worldwide. Boys fall
easy victims to autism compared to girls, as it occurs four to five
times more in boys than girls.
In Sri Lanka around 18000 children are born annually with this neuro-developmental
disorder, Health Ministry Statistics reveal. Lack of intervention and
early diagnosis is a major problem, which affects autistic children in
Sri Lanka.
When parents grow old and eventually die, there are no care-givers to
look after them. The financially-disadvantaged parents share a bigger
burden in their efforts to ensure a better future perhaps for their
child who has fallen victim to the disease.
The Sri Lanka Parents' Association of Autistic Children (SLPAAC) was
set up to take care of these children and youth and make them
resourceful by tapping their inherent talents or persuading them to
acquire new skills to flourish in life. The SLPAAC's objectives are
early intervention, vocational training and activities of daily living
for the victims and the awareness and remedy for parent groups which
include empowering parents, providing therapy at home, enlightening
parents on the nature and causes of autism and above helping parents to
treat the child not as an autistic but one with autism-traits.
There are similar organisations functioning in many countries to
ensure security, care and welfare of autism-victims. The Development
Centre initiated by the SLPAAC for children and youth with autism will
be the first of its kind in the country and its blueprint envisages
expanding it to other parts of the country as well.
"We already found a suitable 3.5 acre land at Pilimatawa, close to
Kandy to set up the proposed Development Centre. Kandy's salubrious
climate is considered conducive to the differently-abled children,"
SLPAAC President Premasiri Perera said, explaining that the project
estimated to cost around US$400,000, is a full-fledged institution,
which will provide education and vocational training facilities free of
charge to autism-affected persons and permanent accommodation for a
limited number of parents with autism-affected single child. In
addition, a research centre, laboratory, information centre and a
library will also be set up.
The SLPAAC appeals to philanthropists and other benefactors for
contributions to make this worthy cause, a success. |
