Career towards Neuro-Inclusive World for All

Ranjan K Baruah *

The term 'Neuro-Inclusive' is not a common term for many. We are talking about it because we must make a Neuro- Inclusive world for all. Let’s explore why we are talking about it.

We are aware that in recent years, major progress has been made in increasing awareness and acceptance of autism, not least thanks to the many amazing autistic activists or champions who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistic people to the wider world.

Additionally, medical professionals, researchers and academics in many countries are now incorporating the neurodiversity paradigm, coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, in their work.

Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics.

Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.

It is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities. The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

It also makes it possible to focus attention on the contributions that autistic people make to the world, as this year’s WAAD observance will do, focusing in particular on their contributions in the home, at work, in the arts and in policy making.

The 2023 WAAD observance is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), an organization established and run by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people and allies. ION is based in Switzerland and currently has a presence in 14 countries.

ION is working to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted, represented, included, empowered and heard. The event is co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Poland to the United Nations, with support provided by the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN).

When it comes to career then we have to talk about Special Education so that no one is left behind. There are many offline and online courses related to Autism. Recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, the Diploma in Education in Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders (D.Ed.Spl Ed-ASD) is a two-year intensive training programme for those interested in developing a career in special needs, with a particular focus on autism.

We are aware that Autistic people experience the world in ways that are different from non-autistic people. All those who want to work in the field of Autism must have skills like effective communication and also have patience as they have to deal with special children. One may get a job in different voluntary societies working in the field of Autism.

We are moving away from the narrative of curing or converting autistic people and instead focusing on accepting, supporting and including autistic people, and advocating for their rights. This is a major transformation for all autistic people, their allies, the wider neurodiversity community and the world at large.

It enables autistic people to claim their dignity and self-esteem, and to become fully integrated as valued members of their families and societies. Young people may choose it as a career and work professionally apart from working voluntarily.