On the occasion of the 9th edition of World Autism Day, family associations wanted to educate the general public about this neurological disease.
The March for Hope, organized by the association Vaincre l’Autisme, brought together more than 450 people in the streets of Paris, on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day, on April 2. For this 14th edition, the families of autistic people still had the same demands: to improve the daily life of their loved ones. A day which also allowed them to challenge the presidential candidates. In the same spirit, the association SOS Autisme France broadcast a television campaign supported by celebrities in which they make 10 proposals to the contenders of the Elysée.
The associations also wanted to educate the general public. With Enzo, a 5-year-old non-verbal autism, Overcoming Autism illustrated all the difficulties faced by children and adults with autism. We can see the little boy training for 30 days and 116 hours to broadcast a simple message of appeals for donations. For those who have never uttered a single word, this message is “his Everest”.
What is autism? Like little Enzo, 1% of children worldwide have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In France, it is estimated that 650,000 children and adults are affected. This chronic disorder is not a psychiatric illness but a neurobiological dysfunction. Autism is indeed an early disorder of brain development, particularly affecting the formation of neuronal connections.
Boys are more affected than girls (around 4 boys for 1 girl). When a child is affected in siblings, their siblings are more likely to have autism, Asperger’s syndrome or autism spectrum disorder, which seems to indicate a genetic origin for this disorder. But this factor alone is not enough to explain the onset of the disease. Scientific literature confirms that autism results from the combination of genetic and environmental factors (toxicants, infectious causes, etc.).
How does it manifest itself? Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by impaired social interactions, language and communication disorders, and behavioral disorders. These signs can be seen from the age of 2 years. Parents often evoke the elusive gaze of children or an absence of reactions when solicited, a delay in speaking or walking.
Are there any treatments? At present, there is no preventive or curative treatment for autism. On the other hand, early treatment showed that it was possible to reduce language or behavior disorders. The severity of the disorder varies among children. There are as many forms of autism as there are people with autism. Thanks to this adapted educational and pedagogical support, some autistic people will be able to lead an almost normal life and even integrate into professional life.
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