In the vast world we live in, there is a group of children who are like lonely stars from a distant and mysterious planet, emitting a faint light alone. They are autistic children. On April 2nd, as the 17th World Autism Awareness Day, this year's theme is "Full Life Service and Comprehensive Care", once again focusing the attention of the whole society on these special children.
Autism, also known as autism in medicine, is a pervasive developmental disorder and belongs to hereditary mental disorders. The typical characteristics of this type of disease are severe and widespread impairment of social and communication skills, accompanied by stereotyped behavior patterns, narrow interests and hobbies, and repetitive activities. Usually, symptoms of autism begin to manifest in children around the age of 3. These children seem to be separated from the outside world by an invisible barrier, lacking interest in the things around them, and their imagination is difficult to spread. They rarely open up symbolic game worlds full of fantasy colors through toys like ordinary children. In interpersonal communication, their willingness to actively communicate with others is very weak. When speaking, the content, speed, and tone are different from ordinary people, making it difficult for people to understand. Delayed language development and communication barriers are huge obstacles on their growth path, whether it is understanding the meaning of others' words or expressing themselves through nonverbal forms, there are varying degrees of difficulties. These challenges not only pose enormous challenges to the growth of children with autism, but also impose heavy mental pressure and life burdens on their families.
However, every child with autism is a unique individual, carrying a longing for love and warmth, hoping to be understood, accepted, and treated gently by the world. On this special day, each and every one of us should stop rushing and think seriously: how can autistic children truly feel the warmth and kindness of society?
The so-called whole life service means that from the childhood of children with autism to their adulthood and entry into society, there must be a complete and continuous support system throughout the entire process. This covers early professional interventions to help them improve symptoms as much as possible during critical stages of growth; Provide personalized educational support, tap into their potential abilities, and help them master basic life and learning skills; Carry out targeted vocational training to prepare them for integrating into society and realizing their self-worth as adults; Even after they enter society, there should be corresponding measures to ensure their livelihood, so that they can live in peace.
Comprehensive care requires us to pay attention to every aspect of our lives. Schools and educational institutions should take on important responsibilities, develop personalized education plans based on the characteristics of each child with autism, patiently guide them, and help them overcome their own limitations. Communities can fully leverage the power of mutual assistance among neighbors, organize volunteer activities, regularly visit families with autism, provide practical help and psychological support for parents, and allow exhausted parents to take a break. Enterprises can also demonstrate social responsibility by creating employment opportunities suitable for individuals with autism, providing them with equal job opportunities, and enabling them to earn respect and integrate into society through their own efforts. As ordinary people, our smile, patient listening, and inclusive companionship can all become a beam of light illuminating the inner world of children with autism, giving them the strength to move forward.
Let us work hand in hand and interpret the concept of "full life service and all-round care" with practical actions, so that children with autism are no longer lonely, and can grow up with us in the warm embrace of society, under the same blue sky, and bloom with their unique brilliance.
(Editer：admin)
