Rearing autistic children a feat of courage

Parents of autistic children should be proud of themselves because they show a feat of courage and dedication by raising their children, said speakers at an “Eid Reunion” programme yesterday.
In a society where there is a stigma attached to autistic children, the parents have to fight a war to rear them, they added.
Hundreds of autistic children along with their parents gathered at the programme organised by Parents Forum for Differently Able at the auditorium of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
“It is regrettable that autistic children become known in society for their disability. Autism becomes their identity,” said Saima Wazed Putul, chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism.
“We must understand first that these children should be recognised are human beings, not as a burden,” she added.
Announcing that the parents gathered at the programme are a source of inspiration for her, she congratulated them for trying to open opportunities of a normal life to the autistic children.
The organisers informed that the parents can consult specialist doctors by posting their questions on the organisation's website: www.parents-forum.org
Prof Pran Gopal Datta, vice chancellor of BSMMU, said autistic children could always see doctors at his hospital without having to wait in queues.