Adding value to the lives of our children with autism

AWARENESS: Autism is on the increase worldwide including in Sri Lanka with more boys affected than girls. Many countries have started aggressive awareness and education programs for parents and professionals on 'how to deal with 'and' what to do 'to' help these individuals reach their maximum potential.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neuro- biological disorder - a developmental disability that is often confused with mental illness. It causes delays in skills that should emerge from infancy to adulthood.

Autistic individuals have impairments in three broad areas; social relationships, social communication and imaginative thought. These characteristics can be present in a wide variety of combinations with no two people the same, each having different levels of skills, deficits and aptitudes that can range from low to high functioning. Hence, it is known as ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).

Autism spectrum disorders can occur by themselves or with other disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities (LD), anxiety disorders, deafness, epilepsy etc.

Some may also exhibit challenging behaviours such as self injurious behaviour, aggression, self stimulation, refusal to follow instructions and also have sensory impairments such as sensitivities to touch, sight, smell or sounds. Hence, the impact on the families dealing with autism is immeasurable.

Treatment

Today, autism can be diagnosed and treatment started in the first three years of life. There are several methods of Intervention for Autism some of which are ABA, TEACH, DIR/FLOORTIME and the SCERTS model.

These methods of therapy, especially when used in the early intervention of young children diagnosed with autism, have helped many to advance their skills, reach their maximum potential and in some cases even to be mainstreamed with other children.

The Conference - participation is free

A free conference and workshop on Autism has been organised for parents, teachers and professionals to increase awareness and educate on treatment, assessment improving play and learning skills. Also to broaden outlook in terms of recent research and available measures to be taken thereby helping autistic individuals reach their maximum potential.

The conference will be held at Hotel Janaki, 43, Fife Rd, Colombo from 9 a.m to 4.30 p.m. from March 26 to 29.

The resource persons conducting this conference are Dr. Joanne Gerenser and Alison Moors.

This program is privately organized by (Samantha and Sanjeeva Fernando and Focus Ability) in association with the University Child Development Clinic, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo and the Sri Lanka Autistic and Aspergers Association.

For registration call Malathi on 0776-000467, Ianthe 0777 -585346 or e-mail: [email protected]