Our first experience of autism was a year ago, when a certain Community editor was working as an English language tutor in Istanbul. There was this student, a beautiful twelve year-old boy named Gökçe with an almost genius aptitude for all his lessons. But what he also had were some socially awkward habits, a lack of interest or willingness to focus and the tendency to vehemently reject things he wasn’t familiar with. A week after he’d started attending, the other tutors began complaining that he was a difficult child to teach. The truth was, Gökçe was not difficult. He just had his own way of doing stuff. And as strange and longwinded as some of his methods may have seemed to the average person, they worked for him.
Gökçe was frighteningly intelligent for a boy his age. Unfortunately, people focused less on this fact than they did on his awkwardness. When he allowed us to become one of the few people he admitted into his comfort zone, we felt privileged. It was a position which afforded us much joy but also sorrow, since we found out he was being bullied at school. And because he did us this kindness, we tried to return it. We walked him home some days and even stopped in to speak to his parents and let him show us his collection of Turkish historical action figures. During the few interactions we had with his mum and dad, we wanted to talk about our concerns for him. However we felt we’d be overstepping the mark and pointing out what was obvious to them. Now looking back, we know that Gökçe was autistic. And we wish we had spoken to them, if only as a gesture of support in a society which still fails to understand the condition.
April is Autism awareness month. Its purpose is to raise awareness of Autism, in an effort to better aid, understand and accept children like Gökçe. To champion the cause in Abu Dhabi, the Future Centre for Special Needs has been organising annual Autism Awareness Walks. Last year’s walk was lead by HRH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
In the run up to this year’s walk we spoke to Christine Harley, who is a speech and language pathologist and programme coordinator at the Future Centre, to find out more about Autism.
What is Autism?
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are general terms for neurological developmental disabilities. They impact the normal development of the brain in the area of communication, social interaction and cognitive ability. People with Autism often present other co-existing conditions such as difficulties in motor coordination, sensory integration deficits, attention problems with and without hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, feeding difficulties and gastrointestinal disorders.
What are the characteristics of Autism and ASD?
There are characteristics commonly associated with Autism but it is very important to remember that each person with Autism is his or her own unique individual. Approximately 25 percent of people with Autism are non-verbal and may use alternative means to communicate, such as sign language. Then there are approximately 40 percent of people with Autism with intellectual capabilities that are above average. Additionally, people with Autism can have a variety of exceptional abilities and skills. At the Future Centre, we strive to improve the lives of children with Autism by honouring their unique individual learning styles. Acceptance, respect and awareness are vital to helping people with Autism live their lives to their fullest potential.
Do we know what causes it?
There is no known single cause for Autism, just as there is no one type of Autism. Though in recent years scientists have discovered rare gene changes or mutations associated with Autism. Most cases are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors, such as events before and during birth. Maternal illness, advanced paternal and maternal age at conception and complications of pregnancy and delivery are some related factors that potentially increase risk.
And is there a cure?
There is no known cure for Autism, but there are clearly researched best practices and interventions that can significantly improve functional and behavioural skills of children with Autism. But early accurate identification (between the ages of one and six) is essential. It is imperative that these children have access to early cognitive intervention and speech and language therapy, as well as proven behavioural therapies and allied health therapies. Service providers – like special education teachers, therapists and behaviour specialists – are also tremendous support for parents and carers of a child with Autism.
The Autism Awareness Walk 2012 will take place on April 26 from 6pm. The Walk will commence from Abu Dhabi Beach Gate 1 and end at Gate 3. To register, email fcsnautismawareness@yahoo.com or call 02 553 3506 (ext. 105, 106 or 107). The Future Centre for Special Needs, Mohammed bin Zayed City, behind Mazyad Mall.
