Autism. The word itself carries a mysterious character that advances the curiosity of many. Yet for many more, perhaps most, it is only a mere word. But for a parent whose child has just received a diagnosis of autism, the word has been handed to them to find it's meaning whether they want to or not. It is not easy to hear the news that your child has autism and realize that you life will be utterly different than you had expected it to be. You are never prepared for a diagnosis of autism. It is likely that you will experience a range of emotions. You will be baffled and will not be able to come to terms that someone you love so much has a serious health or developmental condition. Learning all you can about the disorder, where to get help will ease your fear and confusion. It can also provide the tools you need to find the support that children with autism and you really need.

Autism usually appears before a child is 3 years old. Some signs of autism may be evident as early as 10 to 12 months, and certainly by 18 months. Varying widely, signs and symptoms in children with autism typically include impaired communication skills, difficulty making eye contact, repetitive behaviors and activities such as arm flapping, head banging, or twirling an object over and over, rigid behavior and difficulty with change and transitions, and narrow range of interests and activities .

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated throughout April and this year the seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared this day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder so that they can lead full and meaningful lives. Every year autism organizations around the world celebrate the day and also throughout April with unique fundraising and awareness raising events. The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism. 'Light it up blue' is a global campaign that sees thousands of iconic landmarks, cities and towns around the world turn blue on April 2 to recognize World Autism Awareness Day. The campaign highlights the pressing need for greater public education and awareness of autism in our community.

Kuwait is a global leader in the field of research and care for autistic people. The first classroom for autistic children in Kuwait was set up at the home of a Kuwaiti parent of an autistic child in 1985. Another classroom was established at the Kuwait Disabled Society’s headquarters later, and the first nursery specifically for autistic children was established by Asrar Al- Qabandi, who later became one of Kuwait’s martyrs during the 1990-91 Iraqi occupation. Back in post-liberation Kuwait, a national autism program was launched through the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation in 1993 in the Rowdha area, and the Kuwait Autism Center was finally inaugurated by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in January 2011. The new center is equipped with fully and appropriately furnished classrooms, training halls and facilities, and a theatre for different activities, as well as clinics and offices for physicians and other specialists. The center’s latest achievement was being selected to host the World Autism Forum in 2014 in recognition of its many contributions in the field of care for autistic people.

Among the many other efforts to promote autism awareness in Kuwait, three postal stamps were introduced as a flying messenger in the year 2000 by the Ministry of Communication. The first Autism Walkathon took place in 2005. Thousands of people of different ages walked on this day to show their support for the cause. The Minister of Oil and Information, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, has been the guest of honor for the 1st Walkathon and until now. As a creative new idea to spread autism awareness, a concert (Autism) Symphony edited by Kuwaiti composer, Dr AMER Jafar and performed by a group of musicians from the Frederyk Chopin Academy at “DAR AL ATHAR”. Born and created at Kuwait Center for Autism, “Haboob” the cartoon character, which means “Loving and Enduring” is not just a friend to children with autism who attends their parties and festivals, but he is also their role model who they look up to for hope and comfort. Also lot of books in Arabic language has been published and translated to understand autism and its needs. “Silent Scream Magazine” is the first scientific specialized magazine in the Middle East concerned in autism syndrome. Lot of training and workshops by renowned experts in the autism field is conducted in Kuwait regularly. Applied Behavior Center of Kuwait (ABC) provides early intervention services to children with autism and related disorders. They too organize lectures on autism related issues.

Daily life with a special-needs child presents many unique challenges. Don’t hesitate to use whatever support is available to you. We are lucky to live in Kuwait, a country where such support, treatment and facilities are available.