Autism awareness and the importance of early diagnosis and actions

Autism is a special condition and disorder of mental development, resulted in communication and social interaction difficulties. Approximately one in 54 children worldwide are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the CDC.

Due to the low awareness of autism, every third child with ASD was diagnosed very late and did not receive proper care.  

April, 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. And it is very important to provide people with information about autism and how to help children with this diagnosis integrate into the society. People with autism spectrum disorders can live independent lives if diagnosed early and given the right support. A child with an autism spectrum disorder may have sufficient speech and intellectual abilities, but does not seek to use them in real life, in interaction with others.

Early diagnosis and actions are vital in the successful adjustment and education of a child with ASD, but not all parents are aware of which signs to look out for first.

New parents and families should look out for signs from an early age, such as:

- the child shows little interest in others,

- may not speak or have a specific speech,

- performs repetitive actions,

- it is difficult to make contact, does not look into the eyes,

- there may be problems with coordination.

If parents notice the above signs in children, it is worth taking the M-Chat R/F early diagnosis test, signing up for a consultation with a specialist and completing intervention programs (https://test.autism.help/ - link to passing the online early diagnosis test).

For reference: More than 700 children diagnosed with autism live in East Kazakhstan region. For successful adaptation of the children of this category, there are 16 psychological and pedagogical correction units, 1 rehabilitation center, 18 special educational institutions in the region. Moreover, 75 inclusion support units have been opened in 75 schools of the region.