A Kaduna-based NGO, MIMFAD Autism Development and other Disabilities Support Initiative, said it would begin sensitisation programme to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of children with autism and other development disabilities in the society.
Executive Director of the Organization, Maryam Ibrahim- Maifada, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Kaduna.
She said the sensitisation was part of the activities aimed at marking International Day for Children with Autism.
” Every year, the International Day for Children with Autism is being celebrated on April 2 and aims to raise awareness on autism.
” We as an organization are embarking on this sensitisation to raise awareness on the importance of accepting children with autism in the society.
” Many children face stigmatisation from friends and families due to autism challenge.”
She said being autistic did not mean one had an illness or disease; it means one’s brain works in a different way from other people.
“It’s something you’re born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you’re very young, or not until you’re older.
If you’re autistic, you’re autistic your whole life.
Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a cure. But some people need support to help them with certain things.
She said Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was a development disability caused by differences in the brain.
” People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests.
“People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms.
“But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging,” she said.
According to her, autistic people can live a full life and people should learn to accept them and not stigmatise them.
” Being autistic does not have to stop you having a good life.
” Like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.
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She added that being autistic did not mean one could never make friends, have relationships or get a job, but one might need extra help with these things.
She added that this year’s celebration, the organization chose the slogan to be “#autism_taught_me”.
He urged parents and caregivers with autism children to write their experience of learning how to deal with a child or a person with autism disorder. (NAN)
