BY Sadali Karangoda
Autism is not a disease. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodiversity condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. Autism cannot be treated or cured with medicine. A range of symptoms and skills can characterize autism. Since ASD is a spectrum disorder, it can affect each individual differently, ranging from highly skilled to severely challenged.
The cause of ASD has not been identified yet. However, research suggests that genetic and environmental factors have played a role. Family history, certain genetic conditions, advanced parental age, prenatal and perinatal factors, can increase the risk of ASD.
Kids with ASD should not be separated or isolated from the other kids. ASD is not a contagious disease, it is only a complex neurodiversity condition. So why would you isolate them? Kids with ASD are different from other kids. They might not play or socialize with others. However, kids with ASD should be socialized with others even though they are different. Parents need to listen to their child who has ASD, to understand their child, cater to the child’s needs, and to identify the child’s skill. Children with ASD have unique and different ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different feelings. Loud noises might even trigger some children with ASD. Some children with ASD might be skilled in music, math, or art, while others may struggle with day–to–day activities. In Sri Lanka, individuals with ASD are not given the same privileges as other individuals with ASD in different countries. In most Sri Lankan schools, children with ASD cannot learn in the same classrooms as kids without ASD.
Some individuals with ASD are non-verbal. This has created issues with communication among family, friends, and others. This has led individuals with ASD to be less social due to communication barriers. However, in Sri Lanka, an app called “AVAZ Sri Lanka” has been introduced to children with speech and communication issues. This app assists with speech for children with Autism, Down’s syndrome, and other developmental issues. This app uses a picture and text-based communication system that converts pictures into speech. Children can select pictures that are then voiced out, helping them express themselves. Avaz Sri Lanka helps both Sinhala and English-speaking children to express themselves. This app is available for free download in both the App Store and Google Play. All the credits for this app go toward Mr. Himendra Ranaweera, Mr. Gopi Kitnasamy, Mr. Narayanan Ramakrishnan, and Dr. Nimisha Muttiah
This app isn’t well known in Sri Lanka due to the limited amount of publicity it is receiving. If more awareness is brought to this app, it would benefit families and children with autism and other developmental issues.