What is autism?

I switched on the telly this morning while eating my breakfast and turned to Oprah. I normally do watch Oprah or the breakfast show in the morning. Anyway, the topic for the day was 'Autism'. It really drew me in while watching the program as the guests that were featured were parents of autistic children.

I have heard alot of this word 'autism' but i never really met an individual who was autistic or read more about it. As i saw how these children were on the videos and the anguish and strength as the parents spoke, it made me feel so much for what those families were going through. I could see the love of those parents for their children who were autistic and how much faith they had for their child to be normal again.

The sad thing that i too feel as i am a parent myself is that those children were born normal and had normal development... up until a certain age when it just suddenly changed. Two parents said it was after their child fell sick and had fever. I can't possibly understand what those parents would have gone through accepting the fate of their child.

Oprah herself said that that particular episode was to highlight the awareness of autism in society and for the public to understand more when they are faced with situations with individuals and families who have autistic children. One parent said..."instead of judging the parent in public, she hopes someone would say 'may i help you?'"

After that show, i just felt all my worries and problems in my life were so small compared to what other people in the world are facing.