Around the globe, people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies, human endeavours, and individual lives. Today reflects on those achievements, but we also recognise the significant challenges that remain, as mentioned in the UN Secretary-General’s message for 2025.
Joining hands with the global observation, the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, observed World Autism Awareness Day today for the first time at the General OPD Complex, RIMS, Imphal, with the objective of raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for individuals with autism.
Speakers during the observation emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and the need for inclusive healthcare services. RIMS continues to advocate for awareness and accessibility, demonstrating its dedication to community well-being.
For those children living there who now seek treatment, it is available in the RIMS clinical department in Imphal, and at least two patients a week can be seen visiting for consultation, according to sources. New private centres and institutions have also now emerged in the state to cater to the needs of children living with autism.
Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications, and particular ways of processing sensory information.
The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high, and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families, and communities. The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policymakers in developing nations and donor countries.
Governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote the full participation of people with autism in society. We need inclusive health and education systems, work environments, and urban design—to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities.
