Pritish is a high functioning autistic child with a normal IQ and studies at a regular school. He loves cricket and ice creams, gets glued to Cartoon Network, but hates conversations. His replies are usually yes' or no' and he gets hyperactive if his textbooks are not stacked one above the other, the way he wants them to be. Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means the symptoms and personality traitswow goldvary from moderate to serious depending on how severely the child has been affected. And, contrary to common perception, it is a social disorder, not a disease. Considering the fact that many children with autism show symptoms of mental retardation (MR), the general tendency is to put them together in one category. However, experts explain why this is not correct. "In case of MR, the skill-set is evenly impaired as against autism where the runescape gold child may be absolutely normal in some functions yet lag behind in some very basic motor activities like brushing teeth," says Reena Bhonagiri, an educational psychologist and special educator. Children with autism are withdrawn, in a world of their own. They may understand concepts, but lack application skills. They may know the virtues of life, but fail to judge what's right or wrong. "They do not conform to social norms and in the process get rejected by society which ends up labelling them mentally retarded," adds Bhonagiri. But none of that, not even the meeting with the queen, can come close to finally appearing in the same camera lens with the former Carla Bruni, an Italian-born singer and former Victoria’s Secret model now dominating the French political-fashion scene.
If autism is detected at a young age, schooling may be possible depending upon the severity, but once children reach the age of 10 or 11, difficulties surface. "From their inadequacy in grasping the lessons taught in the classroom to their inability to convey their feelings and discomforts, Rohan Crone becomes a hellish experience," says Padmaja Godbole, founder chairperson of Prasanna autism centre, near Goodluck chowk. "This adds to their tendency to disassociate themselves from society and become indrawn." This is where therapists and special educators come into picture. "Their job is to not let persons with autism slip into oblivion and keep them associated with society," says Sadhna Godbole, who is associated with the day-to-day functioning of the Prasanna autism centre. Medical treatment is available, but most experts do not recommend them since autism is not a disease, but a condition. "Most allopathic medicines try to suppress hyperactivity, which of course is a Cabal Online Alz benefit with long-term side-effects," says Bhonagiri. "Behaviour modification is a better option, as it helps the children cool down' and adapt to the world around them in a better way." As responsible citizens, we should help them become a part of mainstream society. The least you can do is be a human being," says Bhonagiri. Agrees Smita Fadnavis, a single parent of an autistic child, "These children and their parents need support from society right from early school days.Kailash Prasad Singh is at a loss. But his friends, neighbours and other residents have come out support him and have launched a donation collection drive in the city. In a drive `Save Rohan', people taking donation boxes are visiting houses, shops and markets here.Teachers and principals of regular schools should be educated about the disorder, so that they give special attention to them." Besides, parents need to be consistently involved in their wards' progress.
"Autistic children need support throughout life, which can really help them stand up and be counted in this fast-paced world," adds Fadnavis. But Rohan had a far bigger identity than just being an artist. He was special, he was autistic. He was "the first and oldest detected autisticrunescape in the country," as his father, Satish Sonalkar, puts it. Rohan's is an inspiring story. Right from his childhood struggles to how he matured as an artist and his unique association with the B K S Iyengar Institute of Yoga, which his mother Bhavna says, played a unique role in shaping his future life. Sharing her experience of raising Rohan, Bhavna Sonalkar, a paediatrician, says, "Autistic people need someone around throughout their life whom they can trust and rely upon. He was lucky to be associated with artist Bal Wad, who brought out the best in him and today, the world recognises my son's potential, his shortcomings notwithstanding." Rohan was rs gold an ideal student. He had all the personality traits of an autistic child, which eventually resulted in his removal from school. But his extraordinary mannerisms, typing skills, love for music and above all, his exploits on canvas earned him a name which is and will continue to inspire thousands of parents. "Society needs to accept them, but most importantly the parents need to admit their child has a problem. Only then can we think of giving them a meaningful life," said Satish Sonalkar. The government has been more open to the needs of these people, but not to the extent required. First, there is still a strong inclination towards a medical model, looking at autism as a condition to be treated medically. The govt can make public services autism-friendly.
If autism is detected at a young age