TIMES HONGKONG, JAKARTA – In commemorating World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2nd, it is essential for society to deepen its understanding and awareness of this condition.

According to Medical Daily, autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects individuals' behavior, communication, interaction, and learning abilities in varied and often severe ways.

Presently, autism affects at least one percent of children worldwide, with symptoms typically appearing before the age of three and persisting throughout life, though they may improve over time.

While some individuals with autism can lead independent lives, others with more severe disabilities may require lifelong care and support.

The exact cause of autism remains unknown, although studies suggest that genetic factors play a significant role. Risk factors include having siblings with autism, advanced parental age, and low birth weight, as well as specific genetic conditions like Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome.

Additionally, exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides, maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders are potential risk factors identified in research. Birth complications leading to oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain can also increase the risk.

Early signs of autism include limitations in social interaction and communication skills. These signs may manifest as a lack of eye contact, failure to respond to their name, absence of facial expressions by nine months, inability to engage in simple interactive games, and limited or absent gestures by 12 months.

Children with autism may struggle to share interests with others by 15 months, fail to demonstrate interesting objects by 18 months, not notice when others are hurt or upset by age two, show no interest in playing with other children by age three, and have difficulty with pretend play by age four.

Additionally, they may exhibit restricted or repetitive behaviors such as arranging toys or objects, repeating words or phrases, and focusing intensely on parts of objects. Other signs include developing obsessive interests like hand-flapping, body rocking, or spinning, preferring specific routines and becoming upset if disrupted, and having unusual reactions to sensory stimuli like sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or touch sensations.

Furthermore, delays in motor skills, language development, cognitive abilities, or learning skills may be observed. Children with ASD may display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, experience epilepsy, have unusual eating habits, or face digestive issues.

Additionally, they may show signs of fear, anxiety, stress, excessive worrying, or a lack of fear compared to their peers.

In conclusion, raising awareness and understanding of autism is crucial in fostering inclusivity and support for individuals with ASD within society. (*)