Need to detect autism at early stage

Need to detect autism at early stageBy SALINA KHALID Photos by GLENN GUAN ALTHOUGH more people are now aware of autism, there are no statistics on how many are affected by the condition in the country. National Autism Society of Malaysia chairman (Nasom) Teh Beng Choon said without statistics, it was difficult for the society to assess the real situation locally. “We have been going around to various organisations, including the relevant autho-rities, to gather information on prevalence of the condition yet nobody has the statistics. “So we have to rely on the international figures and make an assumption about the local scenario,” he said. He added that according to the international statistics in the 1980s, the incidence of autism in...

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About Autism

About autismAUTISM is a neurological condition that impedes a person’s learning, speech, senses and social skills in varying degrees. It affects one in every 150 persons, with a higher prevalence among males. Scientists in the West say the incidence of autism will continue to rise globally even as the root causes of autism – genes, environmental factors, heavy metal poisoning, diet and vaccines – are being debated. There is, however, no argument that proper interventions can make a world of difference for persons with autism. Ideally, intensive therapies to modify behaviour, enhance muscle usage to help with speech, writing and body balance, and the teaching of social skills should be made available to persons with autism. The role of the...

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