ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY SHRI. SURJIT SINGH BARNALA, HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF TAMIL NADU AT THE RELEASE OF THE BOOK ‘AUTISM’ AUTHORED BY SMT. PARVATHY VISWANATH AT ANNAPOORNA HALL, RAJ BHAVAN, CHENNAI ON 29.04.2009 AT 11.00 A.M.

I feel it a great pleasure to release the book ‘Autism’ authored by Smt. Parvathy Viswanath and address this distinguished gathering here today.

The welfare of a State or a Nation lies in the health of its citizens.  The future of a nation is built on the health of its children and its youth.  Right from independence, the State and Central Governments have joined hands with voluntary organizations in emphasizing health care and hygiene.  Eradication of polio has been a great success.  The contribution by Rotary in this regard is commendable.

Welfare of disabled is an emerging area of social development.  Apart from the Government, voluntary organizations and social service minded persons have made immense contribution for the welfare of the disabled.

Autism, a complex neuro development disorder lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.  Statistics reveal that 15 in every 10,000 people are affected by Autism and related pervasive development disorders.  The NGOs and voluntary service minded persons have dedicated themselves towards the spread of awareness on autism and in effective management of children and people with autism.

I congratulate Smt. Parvathy Viswanath for bringing out the book ‘Autism’.  The author dwells in depth on autism, the role of parents and the society in managing the autistic children.  The author lays emphasis on the need for early diagnosis, its symptoms and that of qualitative impairments in communication skills.

The book written by Smt.Parvathy Viswanath is an eye opener on Autism.  She reveals that, “The Autism spectrum disorders can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months.  Studies suggest that many children eventually may be accurately identified by the age of one year or even younger”.

The author rightly puts that parents are the best observers of their children.  They are the first to notice unusual behaviours in their child.  She gives tips to parents like the baby’s irresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time etc.  She says that all children with Autism Spectrum Disorders demonstrate deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviours or interests and early intervention has a great impact on reducing symptoms and increases a child’s ability to grow and learn new skills.

I am told that only 50% of children are diagnosed before kinder garden.  Researches reveal that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for atleast two years during the pre-school years would lead to significant improvement in many children with autism spectrum disorders.  Effective programme on developing communication, social and cognitive skills in the autistic child is necessary.  This would enable the child to cope up with the normal child to a great extent.

I congratulate Smt.Parvathy Viswanath for putting it in a nutshell and in a simple language, about what is autism, how it can be managed, the role of parents, including advise to them and the way to nurture a autistic child.

Deeply concerned by the prevalence of high rate of Autism in children across the globe, the United Nations General Assembly has brought out a resolution on Jan’08 to observe ‘World Autism Day’ on 2^nd April every year.  It has requested to raise public awareness on autism.

I am sure that Smt. Parvathy Viswanath and AIKYA will come forward to publish the book Autism in ‘Tamil’ so that it reaches the people at large in Tamil Nadu.  Voluntary organizations should come forward to display flyers and posters in all Health Centres and Govt. Hospitals particularly in the villages, explaining the symptoms of Autism and its management for the early detection of Autism.

Understanding the requirements of disabled, approaching them with a kind heart, creating barrier free environment, exploring their inherent skills and training them are necessary.

It is our cause and concern for them that will help them to overcome their disabilities.  The voluntary organizations, NGOs and the Government should join hands to raise public awareness on autism.  They should take it as their onerous responsibility to educate the general public especially young men and women, on the symptoms of autism. It is our concern and care that will be a source of hope and courage to the persons with disability. 

I convey my warm felicitations to Smt.Parvathy Viswanath and to the members of AIKYA and wish her all success in her service to the society.

Jai Hind.

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