When I think of the lives of the mentally and physically challenged, I feel lucky that I am leading a normal life. Previously we were not aware of mental disorders and we used to think that people who act abnormally are mad and should be put into mental asylums. Autism is a brain disorder that often results in impaired thinking, feeling and social functioning for a lifetime. Experts have estimated that 3 to 6 children out of every 1000 have autism. Males are 4 times more likely to have it than females. Girls with autism have severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment. Three major distinctive behaviours in them are as follows:

(i) They have difficulties with social interaction.

(ii) Show problems with verbal and non verbal communication.

(iii) Exhibit repetitive behaviour or narrow, obsessive interests.

Unfortunately, scientists have failed to identify the cause of this deadly brain disorder. There is no cure for autism, but regular therapies and behavioural intervention are designed to remedy specific symptoms and thereby bring improvements. In many fortunate children, symptoms improve with treatment and age, and some grow up to lead normal or near normal lives. During the period of adolescence, some children with autism become depressed and may experience behavioural problems. Parents of such victims must be supportive and provide them treatment accordingly.

My only motive of writing about autism is to raise awareness and request the society to help the victims and the victims' families, and try to include them in our societal activities and not make them social outcasts.

Nahreen Rahman Baridhara, Dhaka