I am feeling very sad today. Today I got to know that my neighbour’s two year old daughter is suffering from a disorder called autism. I was returning from my morning walk when I found my neighbour washing his car. He looked very sullen and depressed; very unlike his usual self. I couldn’t restrain myself and decided to ask him the reason. What he told me has really shocked me.

I have never heard anything about autism. I still remember two years ago, little Cathy was born and we all congratulated our neighbour. To imagine that such a sweet child is suffering from a disorder which is not curable permanently is very depressing. Her parents are in a very difficult state and presently finding it difficult to cope with the reality. I can completely relate to them. To happen this to one’s child is too traumatic.

I did a web search on autism and found out that autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The prevalence of autism is 1-2 per thousand people.

To be very honest, I really don’t know how would have I coped, had this happened to my kids. May God give strength to people who have to fight such a disorder in their lives. I also read about how social perception and awareness about autism is extremely low. Most of the people associate autism with madness. But then, that is what world is like. Whatever we fail to understand or are scared of accepting- we label it as “mad”.

This is extremely bad. We should not forget that this can happen to anyone. We should be more compassionate and tolerant towards it. And we need not do something out- of –the way. We just have to be ‘human’.

I called my kids and told them about little Cathy. They were very shocked. I told them everything I knew about autism. They became really sad especially my son. He loves little kids. My wife was completely taken aback. She can’t stop thinking about what Cathy’s mother must be going through. What should I say? I wish nobody ever has to live this in their lives. I am writing today with a heavy heart.

I must take your leave now. Take good care. Bye.

The next day little Cathy and her parents were visited by the ‘common man’s’ family. They all sat together and talked. Common man assured his neighbour that he and his family are always there for anything.