Autism Awareness Day: Time to go beyond ‘awareness’
Mahadir Omer Fahad :
Over the past two decades, and particularly since the mid-90s, autism has slowly become integrated into the social awareness interventions in the area of Disability in the context of Bangladesh. This progress has been the result of the tireless efforts of various organizations such as the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) and those involved in the development of persons with disability.
Every year, on the 2nd of April, people of Bangladesh as elsewhere around the world, observe World Autism Awareness Day. This year’s focus in observance of the day is to recognize the contribution of autistic people at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking. Like every year, the Bangladesh government, along with the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) and various local, national, and international organizations will be observing this day with utmost reverence. The primary objective of celebrating this day is to promote a clear understanding of persons with autism spectrum disorder, so that they may be afforded the same fundamental rights as any other citizens in terms of human rights as well as they participate in the nation-building process just like any other members of society.
Two decades ago, the term ‘Autism’ was unheard of in the context of Bangladesh. Persons with autism were referred to as ‘lunatics’ or ‘mentally ill’, which was later replaced by the term ‘intellectual disability’. However, it is important to note, a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not fit into any of the aforementioned definitions but rather is an individual born with a unique set of characteristics that qualify as a disability. It is worth noting that, in terms of disabilities, the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013 has outlined twelve distinct types of disabilities, each is defined based on individual characteristics. Misdiagnosis can have serious negative consequences on the individuals which can further exacerbate their challenges.
In recent times, it has come to attention that autism and disability are being treated as separate issues. However, as per the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, autism is one of the twelve types of disabilities and is listed as type 1 in alphabetical-order. Therefore, referring to autism separately from disabilities can lead to confusion in this context. It is important to note that many persons with autism do not have intellectual disabilities therefore it would be unwise to disregard their intellectual talents when assessing their intelligence.
The World Health Organization acknowledges Bangladesh as a frontrunner in promoting awareness about autism. The government deserves commendation for implementing several autism-related programmes. The positive outcome of such initiatives is evident as an increasing number of parents are now seeking medical help for their children instead of relying on superstitions. Over the past two decades, and particularly since the mid-90s, autism has slowly become integrated into the social awareness interventions in the area of Disability in the context of Bangladesh. This progress has been the result of the tireless efforts of various organizations such as the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) and those involved in the development of persons with disabilities.
While the Disability Welfare Act of Bangladesh, 2001 was a significant step in this direction, it was the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013 that paved the way for ensuring equal rights for citizens with disabilities. Additionally, in 2013, the Neuro Developmental Disability Trust Act was passed, which established the framework for expanding special services for persons with four types of neurological disabilities, including autism. Continuing this effort, the government formulated the Rehabilitation Council Act in 2018 to establish a structural framework for protecting the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities. The implementation of the aforementioned laws has had a significant impact on the development of persons with disabilities across various ministries and departments in Bangladesh. The efforts made, have been geared towards the inclusion of Disability issue in all development policies, to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to integrated development programmes and services.
In the past two decades, the government has taken numerous initiatives for the development of persons with disabilities, particularly those with autism. The Jatio Protibondhi Unnoyon Foundation (JPUF) has established 103 Disability Service and Help Centers throughout Bangladesh to provide essential services to all types of people with disabilities. The Neuro Developmental Disability Trust Act, 2013 has led to the establishment of eight rehabilitation service centers in the country’s eight divisional cities, with residential facilities for persons with Neuro Developmental Disabilities (NDD). Aside from that, persons with NDD, including those with autism, are receiving healthcare coverage through the implementation of ‘Bangabandhu Suraksha Bima’ by the Neuro-Developmental Disabilities Protection Trust in coordination with Sadharan Bima Corporation. It is expected that the government will sustain its commendable efforts in increasing autism-awareness. In spite of that, the government is strongly encouraged to collaborate more closely with the private sector to establish additional treatment facilities for persons with autism.
The world is beginning to know more about autism and it is good news. Let’s live in hope that society can change to allow persons with autism to live their best life.
(The writer is Programme Officer, Centre for Disability in Development).
