World Autism Awareness Day tomorrow (Saturday) is an opportunity to illuminate something from the world of children diagnosed with the autistic continuum, in an accessible and simple way.
The increase in the number of these children in the last decade, along with the public's unfamiliarity with the syndrome, has often provoked intolerant reactions from the environment towards them.
Such is 15-year-old Maya from Tel Aviv, a low-functioning autistic, who speaks in a few words.
In recent years she has begun to communicate in typing, in a long process that has borne fruit.
"We always believed that there was more to it than she reflected on the outside, and suddenly we saw how much she knew and absorbed," says her mother, Sharon, adding advice: "Do not talk to them as if they are not present. We discovered that Maya hears and understands everything."
Employment Center for the Autistic, Photo: Hagit Ron Rabinowitz
The 7-year-old Hadar is defined as moderately functioning and he also hardly speaks.
His father imagined: "Hadar is a very intelligent boy, who taught himself to read and write at the age of four, also in English, and has a well-developed memory. It is important that the environment treats autistics as completely normal children."
The national fundraising campaign for children and adults with autism is currently underway, led by Alut and the Center for the Treatment and Research of Autism - an association for children at risk. One in 78 infants is diagnosed with autism. And clubs.
For donations: Google "Autism 2022" or dial 2482 *.
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