by AD Cahilog

Davao City (13 January) -- Rainbow Intervention Center for Autism Foundation Incorporated (RICAFI) the first autism school in Davao City has lined several activities aimed to help create massive information and hope to provide better understanding on autism.

This is in relation to the Presidential Proclamation 711 by former President Fidel V. Ramos declaring every 3rd week of January as National Autism Consciousness Week all over the country.

The theme for this year's celebration as announced by the Autism Society Philippines is Autism Challenge: outwit, Outplay, Outlast.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life as result of a neurological disorder that affects in normal functioning of the brain.

The disability is lifelong commonly affects person's communication skills, social interaction and adaptation to environment.

Autism spectrum disorder affects individual differently at varying degrees. This is why early detection of autism is very important because a child should undergo specialized intervention programs at the earliest possible time.

Some of the early manifestations of autism in children are: no pointing by 1 year, no babbling by 1 year, no single word by 16 months; no 2-word phrases by 24 months; any loss of language skills at any time; little or no eye contact; no response when called by name and indifference to others.

The common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in older kids are: (1) difficulty mixing with other children; (2) acts as deaf; (3) resists learning; (4) no fear of real dangers; (5) resist change in routine; (6) uses people as tools; (7) inappropriate laughing and giggling; (8) not cuddly; (9) marked physical over-activity; (10) no eye contact; (11) spins objects, sustained odd play; (12) destructive and aggressive at times; (13) aloof, standoffish manner.

Experts suggest that if a child manifests at least seven of these signs, the child should be brought to developmental pediatrician for diagnosis.

The RICAFI advocates for early detection and intervention of autism. These are no medicines that will cure autism but children and adults affected with it can be taught to become productive and self-reliant individuals.