Dhaka Bureau: Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder in medical terms, is a reflection of neurodevelopmental impairment. It has become a public health problem worldwide. In Bangladesh, the number of autistic children has increased significantly.
According to the statistics of the Autism Society of America, about 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by autism. Although the exact statistics of our country are not known, according to information from the Ministry of Social Welfare, 2.87 percent of the disabled people in the country have autism. However, it is estimated that there are about one and a half million people with autism in Bangladesh. About 1500 more are added every year.
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The Institute of Pediatric Neuro-Disorder and Autism (IPNA) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) conducted the first field survey on the condition of autistic children in the country in 2013. It is reported that 15 out of every 10,000 children have autism. In 2017, after 4 years, another survey showed that 17 out of 10,000 children have this characteristic.
A recent study revealed that the birth rate of autistic children is higher in cities than in villages. 14 out of 10,000 children in villages and 25 out of 10,000 children in urban areas have autism. Autism is almost two-and-a-half times more common in boys than in girls. Besides, the prevalence rate of autism among children aged 16 to 30 months in the country is 17 per 10,000.
Every day, 150 to 200 autistic children come to the child neurology department of BSMMU hospital for treatment. As such, more than 30,000 children with autism come for treatment every month. Apart from BSMMU, 34 medical centers across the country have Shishu Bikash Kendras for treating autism sufferers. Apart from this, several other organizations, including the Autism Welfare Foundation and Prayas, are working privately.
BSMMU Hospital Child Neurology Chairman Professor Dr. Gopen Kumar Kundu said that the number of people suffering from autism in the country is increasing day by day. This problem starts in pre-childhood, which hinders the normal development process of the child. Autism symptoms usually appear between 1 and 3 years of age. Differences in social relations, communication, and behavior are central to this problem.
He said that the rate of children with autism is much higher in developed countries than in underdeveloped countries. In Bangladesh, there are more children with autism in Dhaka than in rural areas. Some studies have shown higher rates among upper-class households and smaller single-family households. Again, this disease is more common in boys than in girls. The ratio between boys and girls is 4:1.
Every autistic child is unique, according to Ronak Hafeez, chairman of the Autism Welfare Foundation.Their problems are also different. Autism cannot be completely cured. Autistic children need practical treatment. Some cases are also treated with drugs. Some of these diseases require a psychologist or a speech therapist for practical education. These children require a special school for their education and management. But the number of schools in the country is much smaller than the number of people with autism.
In this context, the 16th World Autism Awareness Day will be celebrated in Bangladesh, like the rest of the world, on April 2. The day has been observed every year since the United Nations General Assembly unanimously decided to observe April 2 as ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ in 2007 to highlight the need for support to improve the quality of life of children and adults with autism. This year the theme of the day is ‘Creating a neurofriendly, inclusive world for all on a journey of transformation’.
The president gave a message on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina As part of the celebration of Autism Awareness Day 2023, blue lights will be lit from yesterday evening for two nights in all important government buildings and establishments, Bangladesh embassies or missions abroad, including the Bangladesh Secretariat. The color blue is used to give a unique message to the society. This symbol of peace has been chosen to recognize and stand by the autistics apart from the busyness. It is a unique attempt to bring life to the puzzle of different colors through this symbolic color.
On the occasion of celebrating the day, the Ministry of Social Welfare has organized a discussion meeting, a cultural program, and a special honoring ceremony for 10 individuals and 3 organizations in 5 categories for their role in creating awareness and protecting autism at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
Those who are getting honor
Abdullah Al Nafi Antar, who won first place in the essay writing competition on the childhood of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman organized by NDD Trust in the successful person with autism category, Fabliha Azim, the brand ambassador of RTV, and drew pictures for the Prime Minister’s Eid greeting card in 2022. Taif Mustafa. Trinamool Pratibandhi Pharbasan Sanstha (TPPS), Naogaon Ambati Mentally Retarded and Autistic School, and Aditamari Mentally Retarded and Autistic School are getting the award in the category of institutions working tirelessly for the development and protection of the autistic community. In the category that is working tirelessly in the development and protection of people with autism characteristics. Ziaul Haque, Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain, and Professor Dr. Shaheen Akhtar are receiving the award. Nusrat Sharmin and Dr. Nachima Islam Chowdhury Rain. Delete the caregiver category. Sonia Akhter and Monica Maria Rosario are also receiving the honor.
