Bangladesh – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has adopted a Dhaka-sponsored resolution on neuro-development disorders. Saima Wazed Hossain, known by the nickname Putul who is a psychologist and Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh told bdnews24.com that the resolution would ensure that member states keep autism in their public health policies and would help to adopt “holistic approach” to address neuro-development disorders.
In the interview, she spoke about the need for early diagnosis and interventions in neuro-development disorders.
Bangladesh was under the spotlight when Dhaka hosted an autism mega conference in July 2011,that included Indian Congress Party Chief Sonia Gandhi.
Bangladesh has no data on the number of children whoa are on the autistic spectrum.
Saima said early diagnosis and interventions such as speech and language therapy and behavioural therapy could “reduce their disabling conditions” of the disorder.She also added that the brain develops “pro-actively” till the age of five.
“So we have to intervene before that with evidence-based interventions”.
She said the focus of the WHO resolution was not to find the cure, but to ensure management and care.
“It’s about management and care of the neuro-development disorder of the individuals and the societies as a whole”.
The full article by Nurul Islam Hasib on the bdnews24.com website can be read here