(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Raising a child with autism gives parents an exceptional meaning of love without expecting anything in return, Reem al-Mansoori, co-founder of Doha Autism Parents Network (DAPN), has told Gulf Times.
"The main thing your child needs from you is love and inclusion," stressed al-Mansoori, a mother of a child with autism. "As a mother, yes it is a different experience but it really adds a lot to my life, and I learned a lot from my son."
She was speaking on the sidelines of the World Autism Awareness Day celebration yesterday at the Torch Tower Plaza in Aspire Zone organised by Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Centre), a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting people with disabilities to the world of information and communication technology.
Sharing some of the lessons she learned from taking care of her child, al-Mansoori advised parents to explore the potential of their children by looking into their strengths instead of comparing them to others.
"If parents waste time comparing their child to others, then there is no way they will admire their child or find what is unique about the boy or girl," the DAPN co-founder said.
Celebrating the group's third anniversary yesterday, members wore badges with their logo and slogan, "Embrace Differences", printed on it. DAPN now has more than 100 member families who organise their own conferences and discuss their issues, and support each other.
When she started as co-founder of the group, al-Mansoori recounted telling their members that the main thing a child with autism needed from every parent was love and inclusion.
"He or she is your child regardless of being autistic, diabetic or no matter what she is suffering from, and your main responsibility towards him is to raise him with happiness and confidence, and include him in your family," she pointed out.
The mother noted that children with autism have lots of potential, exceptional skills and intelligence. Al-Mansoori told parents who have children with autism not to feel sad or spend their time feeling sorry.
"One day they will discover that the child was a gift to them rather than a person with a disorder," she said.
Rima Bou Chakra, a mother of a young man with autism, echoed the statements of al-Mansoori, saying parents like them faced huge challenges in raising their children.
Most of their time is devoted to helping improve the communication skills of their children, taking them to therapists and playing with them.
"All mothers have patience but mothers with autistic children are millions of times more patient than any other moms," said Chakra in jest, who is also a special education advocate at Shafallah Centre for Children with Special Needs.
Many children with autism also like sports such as swimming, according to her.
"You will see them doing great in their life. You just need to understand, respect and help them so that they can socialise in the community," she added.
According to DAPN, autism affected one in every 68 children and one in 42 boys last year.
Autism, a lifetime disorder, affects boys more than girls. They have early signs of autism like in communicating, flopping hands and some peculiar behaviours. The cause is still unknown and there is no cure up to now, it is learnt.
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