Today is a very special day, dedicated to very special children. Yes, it's World Autism Day! Every year, 2nd of April is dedicated for Autism.
This complex neuro-developmental anomaly curtails the child's normalcy and also hinders their physical functionality. The degree or spectrum of autism varies from every child, hence it is termed as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The day aims to create awareness on autism and extend our love and support for people who suffer from this anomaly. The theme for this year is "Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination".
A normal child doesn't transform into an autistic children but there are chances for an autistic child to transform into a near normal child, provided the child is administered proper medical care combined with loads of love and care, say experts.
Here's what Deepa Mohanraj, Founder of Kaumaram Prashanthi Academy School for Special Children shares with us the feelings of an autistic child and their plight.
'They hear but they cannot respond, they see but cannot re-collect, they speak but cannot reiterate, they understand but cannot interact.....this is the real plight of autistic children. However, the spectrum of autism varies from child to child.
Even today, there is a misconception that autism is a disease or a mental disorder. Unfortunately, elders and learned people instill such misconceptions among their kids, who exhibit fear to play with autistic children. A quote by Violet Steven says “Even for parents of children who are not on the spectrum, there is no such thing as a normal child.”
At public places like theaters, malls, parks, walking tracks when people happen to see an autistic child, a majority of them avert themselves from them, pass sarky comments or pose a creepy look.
Such disconcerting reactions will trigger the child's emotions and also will make the parents feel 'disparaged'. But, remember, a comforting smile and a compassionate glimpse would do wonders to them.
Along with the autistic kids, the plight of their parents is harrowing, as parents of autistic children undergo boundless emotional trauma on a daily basis. Yes, it is very difficult to fathom that their child could not play, talk, dance, sing, read, write, socially interact or behave like other normal kids. But, true acceptance starts from parents and only then the society.
Societal acceptance is yet another challenge encountered by these autistic children. But remember, acceptance should start from parents. If a parent fails to accept their autistic children, expecting acceptance from society is unjust.
Unlike older days, lot of therapies have emerged for the betterment of autistic children. Counselling sessions, yoga, music, art, massage, dance among others are all aiding the child to navigate towards improvement.
Though their developmental anomaly thwarted their abilities, the anomaly failed to infiltrate their souls, and this shows how mentally strong these autistic kids are.
An autistic children is the purest form of love. Like every others, autistic children crave for compassion, love and respect from their fellow beings. But, it's unfortunate that the child cannot reciprocate love to others.
Autistic Children are heroes of their own World. Unlike ours, their World is free from greed, revenge, violence and hatred but filled with love and peace'.
A famous tamil poem by Avvaiyar, a celebrated women poet of Sangam period reads....
'Aridhu Aridhu Maanidar aadhal Aridhu
Maanidarayinum Koon Kurudu
Sevidu Pedu Neengi Pirathal Aridhu'
The poem conveys that to be born as a human itself is a bliss. And, to be born as a human without any physical defects like blind, deaf or dumb is the ultimate bliss. How true are these words, isn't it!
So, this autistic day, let's be thankful for being born healthy and swear to adorn and embrace these special children and make this World a better place for them to live. A gentle smile and compassion can do wonders to these children, they ask for our empathy and not sympathy!