COIMBATORE: Awareness on autism should be created as the number of children affected by the disorder is on the rise, according to Corporation Commissioner Dr. K. Vijayakarthikeyan.

Addressing a meeting organised by Third Eye on the eve of World Autism Day today, he said children affected by autism face difficulty in three areas – communication, behaviour and socialisation.

Third Eye, an organisation working for autistic affected, organised the event to create an awareness among the general public about the disorder. The theme of the event was igoBlue. A huge rangoli puzzle in blue colour was displayed at the VOC Grounds on the occasion. (Third Eye has been accorded permission to light up the Railway Station and Clock and several other buildings in the city in blue colour as part of its campaign on autism for the last two years.)

Saranya Rengaraj of Third Eye said her association was providing behaviour analysis to autistic children at Kinathukadavu. “It is an important therapy. While it is available in many places in foreign countries, in India there are only 35 persons who can provide this therapy. It is very unfortunate,” she said.

According to her, Third Eye was the only organisation in Coimbatore to provide the therapy. “It should reach more people,” she added.

“If diagnosed early, autism affected children can be given therapies and training and can be integrated into mainstream. But those in the mainstream should accept them with open arms,” Sarayana added.

While one out of 45 children suffer from autism, the main reason behind its cause is yet to be established. “But 20 per cent of the cases could be due to genes,” she said.

Sub Collector of Pollachi Gayathri Krishnan and Dr. Karthick Annamalai of Coimbatore Children’s Hospital were also present.