Friday marked World Autism Day. Experts say that mainstream films like “My Name is Khan” help spread awareness about the disease. A neural development disorder, autism weakens social interaction and communication. According to figures, the disorder will affect 1 in 110 children this year.

Diana Cherian, who works as a Psychologist at Fortis hospital, says that with spreading awareness about autism through days like these, early detection of the disease is possible.

Indrani Basu, who is the Coordinator of NGO Action for Autism, tells us that 1 in 150 people suffer from Autistic Spectrum Disorder the world over. So taking India’s population into this perspective, the numbers are pretty extensive, she says.

Talking to IANS, Samir Parikh, a Psychiatrist at the Max Healthcare hospital said, “Psychological diseases have always been neglected and autism is no different. There is not enough awareness on the disease which is crucial to deal with it”.

Doctors say that assigning days like the World Autism Day help in the process of making people aware of the disorder.