A Kano-based psychiatrist, Maryam Umar, has advised parents to effectively monitor their children’s behaviour to detect autism at an early stage.

She made the call in an interview on Monday as part of activities to mark the 2022 World Mental Health Day on Monday in Kano.

The psychiatrist said children with autism display strange behaviours at the initial stage, adding the symptoms could be visible as the child would be engaged in attitudes to seek attention.

According to Ms Umar, autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain and remains a mental health issue.

“People with autism often have problems with social communication and interaction as well as restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.

“Though they may have different ways of learning, moving or paying attention,” she said.

The psychiatrist advised parents to look out for children avoiding eye contact, not responding to names in their ninth months and not playing certain games at the age of 12. 

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education to create awareness and advocate against stigma.

It was first celebrated in 1992 at the World Federation for Mental Health initiative, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

The 2022 theme of the Day is “Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.”

(NAN)