M. Asad Naeem
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life. Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment for ASD is important because proper care and services can reduce individuals’ difficulties while helping them learn new skills and build on their strengths. People with ASD may face a wide range of issues, which means there is no single best treatment for ASD.
Working closely with a health care provider is an important part of finding the right combination of treatments and services. In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data.1 in 27 boys identified with autism,1 in 116 girls identified with autism.
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. According to the Pakistan Autism Society, about 400,000 children are suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Pakistan.
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2. The day recognizes and spreads awareness for the rights of people with Autism. World Autism Awareness Day was set to April 2 of each year by the “United Nations General Assembly” on “Resolution 62/139” and adopted on December 18 of 2007, to encourage member states to take action in raising awareness about people with autism spectrum disorder and support the research finding new ways to improve wellness and inclusion.
World Autism Day was celebrated in the Department of Applied Psychology, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, and students were made aware of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this event, Noreen Mukhtar Clinical Psychologist from Special Education College spoke about her real life experiences with autistic children and their rehabilitation projects.
Dr. Ahmed Bilal, Assistant Professor, informed the participants about these remarkable people. Those who are autistic and achieve success in their lives.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Chairman, Applied Psychology emphasized the need for diagnosis and timely identification of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pakistan.
In the end, Prof. Dr Rubina Bhati, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences praised the efforts of faculty and students of the department of Applied Psychology for organizing awareness session on autism spectrum disorder and said that the Islamia University of Bahawalpur under the leadership of Engr Prof Dr Athar Mahboob is showing progress in every field including the social sciences and department of Applied Psychology is highlighting various issues relevant to psychological health of the society.
It is important to mention here that the Department of Applied Psychology was established in the year 2000 as the first seat in the relevant discipline in Southern Punjab. The Department is offering a variety of specializations like Human Resource Management, Social Psychology, Industrial & Organizational Psychology and Clinical & Counseling Psychology.
In order to cater the practical needs of students, the Department has established well equipped laboratories like Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Experimental Laboratory, Testing & Assessment Laboratory and Computer Laboratory connected through University networking. Our mission is to train the students and help them grow professionally to serve the community.
The Department is working with the slogan of Psychology for the betterment of humanity. Various workshops, awareness programs and exclusive lectures have been delivered in this regard.
The graduating students have job opportunities in Government/Semi Government, Armed Forces, Educational Institutions, Health Departments as well as NGOs working in social, psychological and other related sectors at national and international levels. We are offering, BS Applied Psychology, Associate Degree Program (ADP) Applied Psychology, MPhil Applied Psychology and PhD Applied Psychology.
