Annually, April 2 has been set aside to create awareness on autism, which is often misunderstood.
According to the Britain’s national autism association, autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of three.
According to Ranti Balagbobo, a special education manager, “It is a learning disorder; it is real and can be disabling without the right support.”
Here are five facts that might help debunk myths in Nigeria especially.
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Brain development
Autism affects the part of the brain that deals with speech and communication whether verbal or non verbal, social interactions and behaviour. It is a learning disorder and not a spiritual problem.
Treatment
There is no cure. However, early treatment and intervention can improve symptoms and in rare cases, completely overcome.
Speech and gender implications
About 40% of autistic children do not speak. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls.
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Progression
Children with autism progress, early intervention is key
Spectrum ranges
No two autistic persons are the same. Autism cases differ from person to person.
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