World Autism Awareness Day
Table of Contents
Definition of Autism
Autism is a brain development disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. In addition, Autism can also cause behavioral disorders.
Autism is currently referred to as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or, in English, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The term describes the symptoms, severity, and level of assistance needed by each individual, which varies for each person. Hal-hal yang termasuk ASD adalah Asperger, gangguan perkembangan pervasif (PPD-NOS) dan gangguan autistik.
Based on data from WHO, Autism can occur in 1 in 160 children worldwide in 2019. In Indonesia, no data shows the exact number of individuals with Autism.
It is imperative to be aware of the characteristics of Autism as early as possible because if Autism is not successfully handling it, there are still several methods for dealing with Autism so that children can better adapt to everyday life.
Autism Traits
The characteristics of Autism in each person are different. Some exhibit relatively mild features, such as activities of daily living that can still be performed with a bit of assistance. But individuals diagnosed with moderate or severe levels will need more help in carrying out daily activities.
The main characteristics shown by children with Autism are related to the communication and interaction of sufferers. Approximately 80-90% of individuals with Autism begin showing symptoms by the age of 2 years. In some cases, Autism can also be diagnosed at the age of 1 year, but it tends to be rare. In some cases that tend to be mild, the diagnosis of Autism may only be detected after the individual is an adult. This is usually seen from the individual's lack of ability to establish increasingly complex social relationships, as adults, which tend not to bother before.
Some of the symptoms are as follows:
1. Characteristics related to communication and interaction
In some cases, children with Autism can speak words, but this ability is reduced, and children show difficulties communicating. 40% of children with Autism cannot communicate verbally but can be taught to communicate with aids. These symptoms include:
- Does not respond when name is called.
- Kesulitan dalam mengekspresikan emosi
- Not sensitive to other people's feelings.
- Often repeats words, but does not understand its use.
- Prefer to be alone.
2. Characteristics of behavior patterns
- Sensitivitas terhadap stimulus tertentu seperti sentuhan, suara, dan cahaya.
- Not responding to pain.
- Cenderung rigid dan menyukai rutinitas, sehingga emosi ananda dapat meledak saat ada perubahan rutinitas keseharian mereka
- Repetitive movements, such as waving the hands or rocking the body forward or backward.
In addition to the above characteristics, in some cases, individuals with autism are also diagnosed with comorbid disorders such as ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. We believe that early intervention is the key to optimal child growth. Therefore, parents must be aware of the characteristics above.
World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2 every year. The United Nations General Assembly declared this date for the first time on December 18, 2007. With this Autism Awareness Day, the United Nations hopes the world community will pay more attention to Autism in all countries. It aims to make a diagnosis as early as possible to provide early intervention.
In addition, World Autism Awareness Day is also helpful in increasing awareness of the world community to better support individuals with Autism in determining the direction of self-development, independence, autonomy, and access to education and work.
The theme for commemorating World Autism Awareness Day varies each year. In 2016, the theme presented was "Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity". In 2020, the theme for Autism worldwide was "The transition of Adulthood". The theme for 2016 was created to promote the rights of individuals with Autism and ensure that individuals with Autism can contribute better in the future. In comparison, the 2020 theme is expected to bring awareness to teenagers and parents about Autism.