Supporting parents of children with autism
- By Zhang Junmian
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, April 1, 2013
"Family support should play a leading role in helping autistic children since they will stay with their relatives for a long time after they leave the rehabilitation centers," Stephen von Tetzchner, a psychology professor from Norway's University of Oslo, said.
|
|
|
Stephen von Tetzchner, a psychology professor from Norway's University of Oslo, is delivering a speech at the launching ceremony [Photo by Zhang Junmian/China.org.cn] |
It is for this particular reason that parents should first of all get themselves well-trained in order to find the most proven-efficacious ways to stay with and develop the potential of autistic children, who may learn the necessary life skills, or may even have great opportunities for a normal life and career, according to Tetzchner, who has been engaged in the research of autism and children with development disorders for 30 years.
"The earlier the family can begin effective intervention, under the guidance of professionals, the better outcomes they may see," Tetzchner said.
Autism, a disorder of neural development, usually occurs first in childhood.
According to the latest statistics, there are currently some 67 million people suffering from autism worldwide, which is more than the combined number of those afflicted by AIDS, cancer and diabetes. 40 percent of them are children.
In China alone, there are about 1-1.5 million autism sufferers, and this number is gradually increasing. The disease affects one out of every one hundred children in China, as well as in the United States. The disorder has so far become China's main cause of children's mental disability and impairment.
Families living with autistic children -- who may experience impaired social interaction, noticeable language loss or repetitive behavior -- face a long and hard road, both mentally and financially.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)