Autism : Watch Out For Warning Signs

Medical experts from the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde have edified parents on the warning signs of autism and the need to take major precautions to prevent the medical disorder which is affecting many children in the society, mostly males. This was during a sensitisation and education talk to mark a one-week campaign on autism, organised by the association, “Handicap Sans Visage” (Faceless Disability) yesterday April 4, 2024 in Yaounde.
Speaking to a group of parents within the premises of the National Museum, Professor Désiré Hubert Awa Mbassi, a Neuro-paediatrician at the Chantal Biya Foundation (CBF) schooled parents on the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Noting that some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition, other causes are not yet known. This is why the Neuro-paediatrician called on parents to watch out for warning signs of autism in their children. 
Prof. Mbassi said it is difficult to talk about a sign of autism. However, he noted that autism signs depend on the age of the infant. In the first few months of life, he explained that the baby might be too calm to the extent that the parents might wonder if the child is deaf. At times, the baby might be too agitated. Also, an autistic baby may not sleep well or sleep very late. The development of speech and verbal communication is impaired in autistic children. Some risk factors of autism can be avoided, such as the super exposure of children to screens amongst which TV, mobile phones and Ipads. The Neuro-paediatrician explained...