Autistic kids, their parents and other caregivers need proper training in combating the neuro-developmental disorder among children, experts said, report agencies.
"Continuous high quality training, both for the autistic children and parents is an integral part of the treatment. It aids the children to achieve their rights and enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of their lives," Director of Centre for Neurodevelopment and Autism in Children (CNAC) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dr Shaheen Akhter told the news agency.
"Every parent or caregiver, particularly mothers of children having ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) should be empowered through training to support their children in leading a normal life," she added.
According to Saima Hossain, a member of Advisory panel of Mental Health of World Health Organisation (WHO), the parents and close relatives who needed to serve as caregivers to the autistic children should be provided with the particular knowledge and skills to administer them the occupational, speech and behavioral therapy including educational and social service needs.
According to a recent research conducted by ICDDR,B titled, 'Research for Autism: Assessment of mental health status among caregivers of children with autism and feasibility of creating a community based support system in Bangladesh', one out of every four mothers of autistic children suffered from depression and four out of five ASD children were male.
Interim head of chronic Non-communicable Diseases Unit of ICDDR,B Dr Aliya Naheed said, 79 per cent of the mothers who were quizzed under the study said they received supportive attitude from the other family members while 45 per cent said they faced bitter experiences.
Meanwhile, the World Autism Awareness Day will be observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world today (Tuesday) with a pledge to bring the people suffering from autism and other physical disabilities into the mainstream of development.
The theme of this year's day is: 'Assistive Technologies, Active Participation'.
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
