The premises of Autism Welfare Foundation at Mohammadpur in the city was high in cheerful spirits yesterday with the launching of a six-day long product fair prepared by autistic children.

The AWF organised the fair to mark the World Autism Awareness Day and its sixth founding anniversary on Friday.

Yasin Ahmed Chowdhury, a 14 years old boy, was among the 150 autistic children participating the exhibition. Yasin was seen to prepare an artificial bonsai with beads with full concentration. He was happy but could not express his feelings for his condition.

The student of autistic children's school, Kanan, run by the AWF presented their products to the visitors at the fair.

Dr Rownak Hafiz, chairperson of AWF, said the purpose of the fair is to create awareness

about autistic children. "They are no longer burdens of the society. They can now manifest their abilities with a little assistance,” she added.

Dr Rownak said the awareness should begin from the family. "The tendency to hide autism of a children is the major reason why autistic children do not receive proper care and endorsement for their abilities,” she added.

The government should take a rehabilitation programme for such kids, she observed.

The six-day long fair also includes painting exhibition, painting competition and cultural performance by autistic children and their health check-up.

Gazi Mohammad Nurul Kabir, director of Jatiya Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, inaugurated the fair, which is open everyday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.