Autism is a mental health disease that is increasing day by day. It is a disability of bio-neurological development and now affects 1 in 36 people in the world. It mostly started at an early age and caused different social issues. There are different causes and symptoms of autism in children. In Pakistan, autism disorder is also increasing as statistics show that 400,000 children are suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These numbers are now increasing due to some reasons. But it is very important to understand this disease as very few people know about it. So let’s see in detail about the Autism spectrum disorder in Pakistan and how you can overcome it.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also known as autism is a type of mental health disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, and process sensory information. Autism means it has different symptoms and levels of severity. The word autism meaning in Urdu is (آٹزم, خود فکری). This disease mostly affects children before the age of three and affects the behavioral and developmental health of children. People in Pakistan have very misconceptions about autism so there’s a need for increased awareness and education. People also face societal stigmas to find and address treatment for autism.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism mostly affects the behavior of children so their common behavioral symptoms include having difficulty with social interactions and when meeting someone they find it difficult to maintain eye contact or form relationships. Then they also face communication challenges like delayed speech development or repetitive speech patterns. Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping or strictly following a schedule as well as sensory inputs like loud noises, and bright lights are also very common symptoms.
Early Signs in Children
If you have knowledge of autism in early stages then it can be more likely to be treated more quickly. To find this disease in the early stages parents must have an idea about the signs in their children like limited response to their name by 12 months, lack of pointing objects by 14 months, or delayed speech and unusual reactions to sounds, smells, or touch.
Causes and Risk Factors of Autism
Mostly we hear a myth in some regions including Pakistan that autism is caused by vaccines but it’s totally wrong. There are no specific causes known for autism but some researchers find different factors including:
- Genetic Influences in case a family has a genetic component then it is mostly linked to autism.
- Environmental Factors especially pregnancy-related having certain chemicals can increase the risk.
- Parental Age also affects as older parents also have a great chance of having a child with autism.
Autism in the Context of Pakistan
As Pakistan is a cultured country where societal norms really matter. People have misconceptions about autism diseases which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. People have fear of stigma or judgment from their communities so they do not prefer to take medical advice.
Limited Access to Resources
Pakistan has very limited resources, especially in rural areas where basic services are difficult to get. Some urban areas like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore are growing fast and provide access to the best psychologists in Lahore but some families in rural areas find it difficult to access specialized therapy, education, and support.
Challenges in Diagnosis
Due to the lack of diagnostic facilities and trained professionals in Pakistan and due to this reason diagnosing autism has become more difficult. Parents sometimes rely on general doctors who do not have extensive expertise in neurodevelopment issues.
Treatment and Support for Autism
There is no specific cure for autism but there are some therapies that are important to improve the quality of life for people who have autism spectrum. These therapies include
- Behavioral Therapy and techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) help autism patients improve their communication and reduce problematic behaviors.
- Speech Therapy also helps to develop language skills and nonverbal communication.
- Occupational Therapy especially focuses on improving sensory integration and living skills=
- Parent Training to educate families on how to support their child’s development effectively.
Role of Community Awareness
Awareness about autism is very important, especially in Pakistan. Different NGOs and advocacy groups in Pakistan are working tirelessly to promote acceptance and understanding. To make people more aware of it, different schools or special education programs for children with autism are also very helpful. Some organizations in Pakistan including Rising Sun Institute for Special Children which is located in Lahore provide educational and therapeutic services.
Final Thoughts
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition in which patients need a collective effort from families, healthcare professionals, and society that helps them to get the support they need. As Pakistan has very limited available resources they need awareness and educational support to inform people, clarify their misconceptions, and reduce the stigma related to mental health issues.
