Dian Kuswandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 04/28/2008 11:42 AM | National
People born with disorders such as autism and Down syndrome still have good career opportunities, a psychologist said Saturday.
Child expert Diennayarti Tjokrosuprihatono from the University of Indonesia said it was time people took a positive view of autism and Down syndrome.
"People should shine a positive light on what has traditionally been looked at as a disability and convert it into an ability," she said during a discussion about child development.
Experts such as Diennayarti believe some characteristics of autism and Down syndrome are suited to certain professions.
"Because of their meticulous attention to detail, autistic people have good opportunities for careers in accountancy, bookkeeping and computer programming. As all they think about is their own world, autistic people are also suited to jobs in scientific research," Diennayarti said.
People with Down syndrome also have suitable traits for promising jobs.
"People with Down syndrome have a loving and affectionate nature. They bond with others easily, even with people they don't really know.
"That's why nowadays many of them are hired as nannies or caretakers in social institutions," Diennayarti said.
She said the fact some had low IQs did not mean they could not contribute to society.
"Don't look at what they can't do -- look at what they can do. The key is to find and support what kind of training they need to build such careers," she said.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder.
This disorder disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, affecting social interaction and communication skills. People with autism typically display difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and recreational activities and games.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder, which leads to the impairment of sufferers' physical and intellectual development. Unlike autism, Down syndrome is easily recognized in babies from their physical appearance.
To help prevent these conditions in their children, child specialist Atilla Dewanti, also at the discussion, urged mothers to monitor their pregnancy carefully.
"Even two weeks after conception, the fetus' brain and nervous system have started to develop," she said.
"Infant brain development cannot be repeated. Once it is interrupted, it will affect the baby's other development, and could lead to disorders."
Atilla said the brain developed fastest during the period from two months before birth to four years afterward.
"During this 'golden period', parents should ensure their babies receive adequate nutrition, such as breast milk or formula milk, and should stimulate the babies with various activities, such as talking, playing or just hugging," she said.
People born with disorders such as autism and Down syndrome still have good career opportunities, a psychologist said Saturday.
Child expert Diennayarti Tjokrosuprihatono from the University of Indonesia said it was time people took a positive view of autism and Down syndrome.
"People should shine a positive light on what has traditionally been looked at as a disability and convert it into an ability," she said during a discussion about child development.
Experts such as Diennayarti believe some characteristics of autism and Down syndrome are suited to certain professions.
"Because of their meticulous attention to detail, autistic people have good opportunities for careers in accountancy, bookkeeping and computer programming. As all they think about is their own world, autistic people are also suited to jobs in scientific research," Diennayarti said.
People with Down syndrome also have suitable traits for promising jobs.
"People with Down syndrome have a loving and affectionate nature. They bond with others easily, even with people they don't really know.
"That's why nowadays many of them are hired as nannies or caretakers in social institutions," Diennayarti said.
She said the fact some had low IQs did not mean they could not contribute to society.
"Don't look at what they can't do -- look at what they can do. The key is to find and support what kind of training they need to build such careers," she said.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder.
This disorder disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, affecting social interaction and communication skills. People with autism typically display difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and recreational activities and games.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder, which leads to the impairment of sufferers' physical and intellectual development. Unlike autism, Down syndrome is easily recognized in babies from their physical appearance.
To help prevent these conditions in their children, child specialist Atilla Dewanti, also at the discussion, urged mothers to monitor their pregnancy carefully.
"Even two weeks after conception, the fetus' brain and nervous system have started to develop," she said.
"Infant brain development cannot be repeated. Once it is interrupted, it will affect the baby's other development, and could lead to disorders."
Atilla said the brain developed fastest during the period from two months before birth to four years afterward.
"During this 'golden period', parents should ensure their babies receive adequate nutrition, such as breast milk or formula milk, and should stimulate the babies with various activities, such as talking, playing or just hugging," she said.