Bhutan joined the international community in observing the World Autism Awareness Day today. In Thimphu, the Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) observed the day with children living with autism at Changangkha Middle Secondary School.
Autism is a complex developmental disability caused by neurological disorder having a barrier in social interaction skills and communication with repetitive behavioural movement.
The day was observed on the theme, “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation” will help to remind children with autism about how assistive devices play a vital role in daily learning.
“Assistive technology basically can be divided into two, low technology and high technology. Low technology can include such as pencil grip and calculator and high technology can include such as computers, smartphone and tablets whereby children with autism can utilize, which will help them actively participate in activities,” Sonam Choetsho, the Programme and Communication Officer of ABS, said.
Parents of children living with autism say observing such a day is beneficial for them. Dechen Pem from Thimphu has a 10-year-old daughter living with autism, who is studying in class one.
“We get to meet with different children living with autism. So, my daughter can interact with other friends and she learns new things.”
However, she said, people are still not aware of autism.
“Since children with autism have different behaviours, people get scared of them.”
A recent research shows, one in every 68 children come under the Autism Spectrum Disorder, globally.
Bhutan started observing the world autism awareness day from 2013 to create awareness about autism and to encourage early diagnosis and intervention.
