Autistic children need extra care and support

According to the World Health Organisation, 0.84 per cent children of the world are suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism is a developmental disability which has many symptoms including difficulty with social interaction and repetitive behaviour. It is a lifelong condition. Parents of an autistic child often feel clueless and isolate themselves from society. Very few people understand their dilemma.

In Bangladesh, the number of autistic children is on the rise. As such, more schools need to be set up, not just in Dhaka, but across the country.

At the moment there are some special schools for autistic children in Dhaka. But the expenses in these schools are very high as one teacher can handle only a limited number of students in these schools.

The government can help the existing schools in various ways. It can also take initiatives to establish more special schools in other parts of the country. Awareness campaigns can be initiated with help of local media to encourage people to integrate autistic individuals into society.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Banasree, Dhaka

[email protected]