“Autism” is a medical condition that occurs due to an abnormal brain development, and affects how a person communicates and relates to other people. People with Autism understand and reacts to the social environment around them in a different manner to others. Autism and related conditions are caused by a change in the way how the nerve cells in the brain develop and mature. In Sri Lanka 1 percent children out of the annual new born children (approx. 3,750) are vulnerable for “Autism Spectrum Disorders”.

Director General of Health Services Palitha Mahipala addressing the Medial seminar held yesterday (29th March) at the Health Education Bureau said that the Ministry of Health together with the government has initiated programs to raise the awareness among the public and to control the “Autism” in Sri Lanka.

Extending the Child Mental Health Units established in the general hospitals, appointing the community child specialists for each district to enhance the health facilities will be some of these steps. In addition to the health clinics for children, centres for training these children will also be established district-wise where the first one is in Mulleriyawa mental health hospital.

According to the Dr. Mahipala the lack of the Child mental health specialists will be fulfilled soon and this issue has already been discussed with the Post-Graduate Institute.

Prof. Harendra De Silva, Dr. Chithamalee De Silva, Dr. Swarna Wijethunga, Dr. Neil Thalagala were also present at the event.

World Autism Awareness Day proclaimed by the United Nations is celebrated since 2008 throughout the world.