Many Physicians Still Incapable of Diagnosing Autism, Says Consultant

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A medical practitioner, Dr. Osuagwu Magnus, has called for intensive awareness creation on autism among medical professionals and the general public, in order to improve its diagnosis.

Magnus, Chief Consultant at the Family Medicine Department, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, explained that the call became necessary because many medical professionals were unaware of the condition.

He noted that since it could not be diagnosed through the laboratory but only through clinical observation, there is the need to create more awareness on the condition among healthcare personnel, as well as the general public.

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Magnus described autism as a lifelong condition that is incurable but could only be managed, urging parents to get the best out of an autistic child by giving him special attention rather than abandoning him.

He stressed that managing autistic children is difficult for parents, but it could still be handled and that most autistic children can do well in their various endeavours.

While explaining that treating autism is not like any other medical condition, he explained that it requires a specialised form of treatment from a team of professionals that will include a behavioural therapist and speech therapist, among others.

“Parents who have autistic children should not blame themselves, they should, rather, try to get the best out of them.

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“An autistic child should not be abandoned, because, as the child grows, he tends to do better.

“The child will be able to do all those things he is unable to do before and his quality will improve,” Dr. Magnus stated.

(NAN)

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