Every year on April 2, the world celebrates World Autism Day, since the date was approved by the United Nations in 2007. Throughout the month, many community organizations focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
Autism is primarily characterized by unique features in terms of social interaction, difficulties in everyday communication and a non-standard way of processing information from the senses. The behavior of children with autism is also characterized by severe stereotyping - from repeated repetition of elementary movements (shaking hands or bouncing) to complex rituals, and often with the manifestation of destructiveness (aggression, self-harm, screaming).
Early diagnosis of autism and proper screening and therapy are vital for the continued growth and development of a person. For the treatment of children, individual psychological correction programs are used.
In Belarus, children with autism can attend integrated groups in kindergartens and study in integrated classes in schools. For families raising children with autism, the services of narrow specialists are provided at the Centers for Corrective Development Education and Rehabilitation (Ministry of Education), centers / offices for early intervention (Ministry of Health).
In addition, in Belarus, parent associations and public organizations that support families with children and young people with autism conduct their activities.
Information
According to statistics, today 1 out of 80 children has various characteristics from the autistic spectrum. This is an average score that varies significantly between studies. The causes of Autism spectrum disorders are still being investigated, among the main ones are called genetic and environmental, that is, heredity and environmental influences.
