He is different from those around him. He thinks differently, he speaks differently and he plays differently. This “difference” is what makes him the usual scapegoat in his school, with his mates mocking, teasing and laughing at him.
But they never see his other side. He is inherently a very simple boy, who believes every word of his mother’s advice: “there are only two kinds of people in this world: Good and Bad and their nature is defined by their deeds”. And with this gospel of advice he grows into adulthood.
He doesn’t do too many things, but whatever it is that he does, he does it with dedication. He loves Mandira and is determined to earn her love back again, and with the same determination he wants to meet the President of the United States of America. Those around him consider him to be “abnormal”, “mad”, and to an extent “eccentric”. But he keeps telling all, that he is actually very intelligent and smart, more than they think of him.
Yes, we are talking about Rizwan Khan - role of an autistic boy - played by Shahrukh Khan in the movie My Name is Khan. Rizwan, a boy who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome and racial discrimination, does not lose his determination and courage to win back his beloved and the peaceful life he once had before Sep/11 happened.
What is Autism?
Just like Shahrukh Khan in the movie, many other children suffering from autism live in the same world as ours, yet we seldom come across them, and when we do, we think they are retarded, who must be left to themselves in the mental hospital.
But autism does not necessarily mean a child is mad. It is basically, a life long developmental disorder that causes impairment in a person’s social and communicative skills, their repetitive and restricted behaviors and an abnormality of brain development and function. Though the exact cause of Autism remains unknown, scientists believe that it mainly starts showing after three years of life.
An autistic child’s way of reacting and responding to situations is very different from normal children. They may show abnormal responses to sensations, abnormal ways of relating to people, objects and events in the environment.
In fact, the severity of the symptoms of Autism, may differ in different children, with some of them facing a mild learning and social disability to others facing multiple problems and highly unusual behavior.
Strengths of an Autistic child
Memory skills: A child with Asperger’s syndrome, may need guidance when selecting which bits of information to learn, and once they start at it, they can mug up information very well and remember it too.
Eye for detail: Autistic children may not be “big picture” learners, but they often have a keen eye for detail. For example, a child walking through town may not be aware of dangerous traffic , but he or she may remember the precise expiry time of a parking ticket, or an emergency telephone number.
Logical thinking: Many children with AS are very logical and literal in their thought processes. They often respond particularly well to computers due to the rational, consistent and predictable nature of their functionality.
Tech Savvy: Children with ASD can quickly become proficient in using technology.
There have been numerous examples of successful autistic people who have been a great source of inspiration for people on the spectrum as well as for their families. Many of them have achieved great things, with the right support and guidance…
Success story
Big Personalities
In fact, not many of us knew that a number of world famous scientists are thought to have been autistic-
- Albert Einstein
- Charles Darwin
- Isaac Newton
Politicians, presidents, and world leaders, both famous and infamous are suspected of being on the autism spectrum, including well known names like: Thomas Jefferson and Adolf Hitler
Around you
In fact, it is surprising to know that Autism is not a rare disorder, on an average; about 20 in a population of 10,000 people will be autistic or have autistic symptoms, and about 80% of the sufferers are boys. It is the third most common developmental disorder, found across continents, in families of all strata and racial backgrounds.
The reason you may not know that a child around you is suffering from autism, is that many children suffering from autism are often not diagnosed, a research reveals. And by the fact that the number of the children suffering from autism has increased 12 fold in the last 30 years, it becomes pertinent that these children are made to feel supported, valued and important.
Next time, you come across an Autistic child, don’t ignore his abilities…..
This is a story of an autistic child-
Ravi Kendra is a successful adult who has varied hobbies and works full time as a cook for a small restaurant. He is meticulous, follows the recipe step by step with precision, and often his culinary skills are appreciated and loved by food connoisseurs. He is a loving uncle and has amazing bowling skills. Years ago, Ravi was diagnosed with severe autism. The doctor suggested that his parents put him in an institution because he would never be able to function normally, nor would he ever speak. His behavior would never improve and he would be a danger to those around him.
But Ravi’s mother went against the doctor's suggestions and raised her son with the right support and guidance. Today he is a successful chef in a suburban restaurant and is “successful”. Just like Ravi Kendra, all autistic children, need love, support and friendship.
As Mark Lever, National Autistic Society chief executive, says, " The number of people who don't have an autism diagnosis is far too many, and these may be in need of support."
These are people who desire and deserve a happy life just like any one of us, just like Shahrukh Khan of My Name is Khan….
