Observing that autism incidence rate was increasing every year in India, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on June 28 said
parents should provide the child the best possible support and the society at large to stand by such people.

Inaugurating a National Conference on Autism at SRM University at its campus in suburban Kattankulathur, he said it was important to understand that autism was not a form of disease and only reflects special and permanent emotional and psychological needs. Noting that loving attention and a positive environment enhance their natural potential, he said these were most valuable gifts parents could give to them.

''It is necessary to combine special and consistent attention by parent with personalised counseling by professionals'', the Governor said, adding, parents should try to provide the child the best possible support. ''It is also the duty of society at large to stand by such people'', he added. Pointing out that the autism incidence rate in India was increasing year by year, Mr Purohit said it was reported that approximately one in 68 children were affected by it.

''At least more than 70 million children worldwide are affected by autism of which ten million are in India itself'', he noted. He said foundational skill treatment were successfully achieved through Occupational therapy, which incorporates various treatment programs like Sensory Integration therapy, play therapy, behaviour modification, speech therapy for communication development and special education for educating children with autism.

''Governments at the Centre and State have made efforts to provide special services for persons with autism through Legislative  framework and programs and schemes'', the Governor said and pointed out that several NGOs across India and in particular, in Tamil Nadu, were engaged in providing services to people with autism.