Unfortunately, as with many other human special characteristics, primitive and distorted knowledge about autism is still the cause of myths and prejudices.

April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day. Unfortunately, as with many other human special characteristics, primitive and distorted knowledge about autism is still the cause of myths and prejudices.

Everyone should learn more about it, because autism is a phenomenon that needs attention if you are part of an active society. After all, according to the WHO, every 100th child in the world is born with autism.

Autism is not a disease, but a condition that results from impaired brain development and can cause significant social, communication and behavioral difficulties.

This condition can manifest itself in different ways and can have both a mild and a very severe form. That is why the correct term for autism is autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Among the various symptoms of the characteristic states are limited, "ritual" or compulsive behavior, manifestations of aggression and auto-aggression, Asperger's syndrome, lack of concentration and others.

In general, all manifestations of autistic spectrum disorders in a child directly affect its development, ability to learn and consolidate cognitive skills, socialization and communication with others.

The earlier the child is given help in the form of timely diagnosis and corrective intervention, the more chances the child has to be adapted to life in adulthood.

Among the wards of the Charity Exchange are children with autism spectrum disorders, so we know firsthand about the difficulties of such families. Currently, 4 projects to help children are open on our website:

• Arina Kovalenko, 6 years old https://248.dp.ua/projects/1572
• Petro Osmachko, 12 years old https://248.dp.ua/projects/1570
• Maryan Kashuba, 12 years old https://248.dp.ua/projects/1568

• Nikol Kholodenko, 5 years old https://248.dp.ua/projects/1556

All of them require regular rehabilitation courses and corrective classes with specialists. Such therapy gives parents hope for improving their children's cognitive skills.

Autism is not a sentence, but a diagnosis, the timely determination of which in most cases helps to start the rehabilitation and adaptation processes in time. Be attentive to children with ASD! Support their families!