Parents urged to look out for signs of autism in children

HEALTH                   

KAMPALA - Parents have been urged to pay attention to their children's communication in case of signs of autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterised by troubles with social interaction and by restricted and repetitive behavior

The executive director Silent Angels Special Centre, Jackeline Musimenta, said parents should not ignore the manner in which their children respond when communicating because this could help in reading signs of a disorder.

"Parents tend to take offence whenever children try to give them information of what took place while they were away. This affects their way of responding to certain issues. The small things children do to attract parents' attention should not be ignored," she said.

Musimenta made the remarks during the charity walk to create awareness of autism in Kampala recently.

She the condition can result from stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, inadequate support and inaccessibility to proper health.

Before birth, children may develop autism if the pregnant mother is stressed. Stress affects blood flow to the brain, making the messages to be poorly interpreted.
 
"Noise also affects a pregnant mothers and the unborn baby, resulting in autism," Musimenta said.

 
She also faulted prolonged delivery and machines used in maternity, which she said impact on the child after birth.

Musimenta explained that Autism is not a disability, but a different ability.

Children with autism tend to shy away from socialising with friends.