Simply put, living with autism is a little like the fear we feel when we hear the word. World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd is a great opportunity for us all to push away any fear we may have on the subject and understand more about this disorder that appears in the first three years of life and affects close to one in every 150 children.

Children living with autism feel much deeper fear of the unknown than we do. They are scared inside of an outcome they are not sure of and this often translates into a serious fear of things that we would not be afraid of. For many of us simple explanation is enough, but an autistic child needs to have every little thing explained to them before they will understand it and feel comfortable with it.

Of course autism is much more complex than this and there is still much that doctors do not know about it.

For people with autism, the world can be a confusing and lonely place. We can help bridge the gap between people with autism and the world, through skilled assistance, awareness and early education of autistic children from under-privileged families.

Hard facts:

• 1 in every 150 kids globally is diagnosed with autism.
• About 90% of them receive no education.
• Over 75% of them have been the target of bullying.
• Early intervention is critical for the development of children with autism.
• Early education is expensive and requires professional assistance.
• Proper education can help an autistic child be functional and productive.
• 500 plus cases of autism exist in Bahrain.

Support VIVA Jusoor in this initiative, and VIVA will match your donation by contributing BD1 every time you donate for this cause. To contribute BD1, SMS “1” to 88143. *This SMS will only be charged BD 1 solely for donation, and VIVA will not incur any charges.

There is no cure for autism yet, but there is hope.

For more information please email jusoor@viva.com.bh or call 124.