PMR Supports Autism Awareness
A project of “Wall of awarness” by #KinnairdCollege regarding autism resource centres and was Sponsored by PMR.
The wall is located on MMAlam road Lahore, besides Lahore Chatkhara.
Click to visit the website for Autism Resource Centre Lahore Pakistan
Click to visit the facebook page for Autism Resource Centre Lahore Pakistan
In 2015, There were 350,000 autistic children in Pakistan, according to a research of the ARC. One out of 66 children is autistic; this number is increasing with the passage of time.
As per the recent reports,
According to Pakistan Country Report on Autism, the population of Pakistan is estimated to be 172,800,048 hence the number of people on the spectrum is estimated to be a minimum 3,45,600 although due to under-reporting, misdiagnosis and social stigma we can say this number is in reality much higher.
Sadly, there are no government funds for this particular disease and also there is no institute at the government level, which specifically caters to the services for children with autism. There is a need to create awareness about this disorder at the government level.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders manifest themselves in children from 18 months to three years of age. They present themselves as difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, cognition and repetitive behaviour.
Some of the most common symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children are:
1) Delayed speech development.
2) Frequent use of set words and phrases.
3) Speech that sounds monotonous or flat.
4) Preferring to communicate using single words.
5) Not responding to their name being called.
6) Rejecting cuddles initiated by a parent or care giver. Reacting unusually negatively when asked to do something.
7) Being unusually intolerant of people entering their personal space, or not being aware of other people’s personal space
8) Little interest in interacting with other people, including children of similar age.
9) Not enjoying situations that children of their age usually like.
10) Preferring to play alone, rather than asking others to play with them.
11) Rarely using facial expressions or gestures when communicating.
12) Avoiding eye contact.
13) Having repetitive movements, like flapping hands, rocking back and forth or flicking fingers. 14.) Playing with toys in repetitive and unimaginative ways.
15) Preferring to have a familiar routine and getting very upset if there are changes to this routine.
16) Having strong likes and dislikes of certain foods.
17) Unusual sensory interests – children with ASD may, for example, sniff toys, people or objects inappropriately.
Read more about how to support autism HERE.
Click here to read about ten Ways to Support Someone with Autism