I heard the mother shouting, "Stop that," "Leave it alone," "Come here!" and then, "I will beat you, if you don't stop it!" Truly, you shared her frustration after meeting James, her eight-year old son. He was a bundle of energy, disruptive and uncontrollable. He picked up everything on the consulting table and nearly broke the computer. You could not engage him in conversation, as his attention span was shorter than that of fish. He was in a different world and interacting with him was like disturbing his daydreams with imaginary friends.
She said she had to literally tie him down on the plane and it was embarrassing for her and fellow passengers. The only times he calmed down was when eating or sleeping. How does she look after the child 24 hours a day?
I had got a UK trained child psychiatrist (Dr. Ibironke Annette Amodu) to see them and so left them with her quite happily (it usually takes hours of assessments and re-evaluation before coming to a diagnosis!). Caring for such children requires the right expertise and a multidisciplinary approach.
Autism
Autism is a medical disorder: a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's life. People with autism spectrum disorders have problems with social and communication skills. Many people with ASD also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to sensations.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. People with autism experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. They see the world differently and experience or express happiness, sadness, anger and other sensitivities differently.
ASD is a wide-ranging condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives, but others may have learning and behavioral disabilities that means they need constant help and support.
Autism in Nigeria
Today, one in about 100 individuals is diagnosed with autism in many countries. We have lots of children and adults with autism in Nigeria, but there is very little statistics. Today, it is slowly being recognised due to various campaigns done by individuals and some organisations.
In most cases, its causes are unknown; but it is mainly inherited. In many rural areas, people with autism are thought to be possessed or probably evil. Children with autism are also thought to be schizophrenic or mentally retarded because of some 'odd behaviour they present with which, due to lack of understanding, can be frightening for people around them to witness.
There is fear and stigma associated with autism and parents are sometimes blamed for their child's autism. The truth, of course, is that autism is not due to bad parenting. It is not due to witchcraft. The children are not witches, as alluded to in certain places in Nigeria.
In addition, autism is not due to MMR vaccine and evidence supporting this is available in health journals. Unfortunately, the signs seem to be noticed by health professionals when parents take their children for immunisation and this was why it was initially thought to be a cause.
Be better informed
It is important to recognise the early signs of autism and seek early intervention services. One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.
Know the signs
The following 'red flags' may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don't delay in asking your paediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
•No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
•No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
•No babbling by 12 months
•No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
•No words by 16 months
•No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
•Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age.
Recent research confirms that appropriate screening can determine whether a child is at risk for autism as young as one year. While every child develops differently, we also know that early treatment improves outcomes, often dramatically. Studies show, for example, that early intensive behavioural intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with ASD.
The following people are autistic and should serve as examples for parents to know that their children can achieve, if their energies and talents are recognised and channelled appropriately.
•Lionel Messi, Argentinean football player
•Matt Savage, U.S. jazz prodigy
•Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook
Help in Nigeria
Autism Associates, 1, Bode Thomas Street, off Bode Thomas Road, Onikan, Lagos.
Telephone numbers: 018506353, 07028193870.
National Society for Autism, Nigeria. The Zamarr Institute, LEA Nursery & Primary School, Patrick O. Bokkor Street, Off Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja. Email:info@societyforautismnigeria.org. Website: http://www.societyforautismnigeria.org. Tel: 08098143671.
Nwatu Autism Foundation; No 4, Idowu Rufai Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos. Telephone number: 08058458995. Email: autism4nigeria@yahoo.co.uk
Healthcare Assessments, Aids and Training; Lagos branch: Chase Mall, Suite B5, No. 19A, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Abuja branch: 19B, Sunyani Street, Wuse 1, Abuja. Contact numbers: 018434486, 08140790095, 07084476737, 0044-7941069461, Email: annetteamodu@gmail.com
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