April 2: World Consciousness Day on Autism, a call to inclusion and understanding

Every April 2, World Autism Day Day is celebrated, a special moment to eliminate stigmas and foster a deeper understanding in our society about the challenges and the various characteristics presented by those who are “within the spectrum”.

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is characterized by deficiencies related to brain development that last throughout life. Although the first signs usually appear in childhood, there are those who receive their diagnosis already in adulthood.

By The National

It is important to note that this concept covers various manifestations that can several in each individual and influence their social and communicative skills. In some cases, it is presented through repetitive behaviors or restricted patterns.

The WHO He estimates that 1 in 100 children globally presents an autistic spectrum disorder. In addition, a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020 indicates that 1 in 36 children aged 8 (2.8%) in the United States was diagnosed with ASD.

According to the CDC, some common manifestations of autism include:

• Difficulties in communication and social interaction.
• Limited interests.
• Repetitive behaviors.
• Alterations in sensory processing.
• Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sounds, lights or textures.
• Logical and structured thought.
• Difficulty maintaining visual contact.
• Lack of interaction with the environment.
• Variations in the use and content of language.
• Desire and insistence on following specific routines.
• Stereotyped movements such as hands flutter.

This day gives us an excellent opportunity to make visible this rich symptomatic diversity and fight prejudices, thus facilitating a better understanding about the difficulties of these people.