TODAY the world observes the Seventh Annual World Autism Awareness Day. The designation of this day resulted from a resolution that was introduced by the state of Qatar in December 2007. By designating this day, the UN has helped to promote an international effort in spreading awareness of this misunderstood disorder that was only named Autism in the 1940s, although the condition existed for centuries.Autism is a spectrum of disorders that ranges from mild to severe. It is a mental condition that can be detected from early childhood, usually during the first three years of life. Signs of autism can be identified by children’s inability to communicate, poor social skills and repetitive behaviour. Autistic children tend to have difficulties in making eye contact and in engaging people.

Boys are more likely to suffer from autism than girls. According to ‘Autism Speaks’, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of awareness on this disorder, autism affects 1 in 183 girls and 1 in 42 boys. In recent years, the rate of diagnosis has been increasing rapidly. This is likely as a result of the spreading of awareness, which aids in detection.

Many parents, teachers and caregivers of young children are unaware of what autism truly is and how to care for an autistic child. There are signs that one should look for in young children. Children without autism maintain social engagement with persons around them. They are able to coordinate their gaze, vocalization and gesture. They incorporate others in their pretend play, such as a child offering you imaginary tea in their play teacup. They share their excitement. While children with autism do not follow gesture, avoid eye contact, do not engage with other people during play, often times will not respond to their names being called, do not share enjoyment with others and avoid making social connections with persons.

Early detection is very important in order for the needs of autistic children to be taken care of, including education, social and psychological needs. Autistic children have no physical incapacitation, they look normal and so their challenges are often misunderstood. Placing autistic children in the regular school system, for example, can be very tortuous since their peers might misunderstand them and subject them to taunting and teasing.

Autism cannot be detected by methods such as blood or urine tests. It is detected by way of observation of children behaviour for effective communication and social skills.

Awareness should also entail teaching others to promote respect for autistic people. We must not deny people with autism their fundamental human rights by discriminating against or excluding them. Education and training programmes to spread public awareness are very important. Let us intensify efforts to ensure that children with autism are not discriminated against or treated unfairly.

In Guyana, organisations such as Guyana Greenheart Autistic School, Step-by-Step Guyana, Gifted Hands and the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre must be saluted for their extreme patience and tolerance in dealing with our autistic and special needs children.

The First Lady’s Foundation wishes to endorse the call for action to enable children and persons with autism to lead full and meaningful lives. To this effect, the Foundation is partnering with local organisations to promote awareness activities. A blue light vigil was held at the children’s monument in the National Park, yesterday, in order to bring awareness to the issue that will be observed by people around the world on April 2, 2014. Additionally, a fitness walk from the Bank of Guyana to the National Park will take place on April 6, 2014.

We wish to encourage all to come out and join in sharing information, promoting awareness and a positive perception in addressing this growing global challenge. Turn on a blue light on April 2, 2014 in honour of autistic persons.