Support children living with autism

Statistics show that one in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Most people are not even aware they have autistic children and, in extreme cases in rural areas, victims are locked away and shut out completely from the community.

Autism is a range of complex neuro-development disorders, characterised by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour.

Previously, scientist believed autism was a condition limited to the West and technologically-developed countries. However, there are more cases of children living with autism in Africa.

In some cultures, symptoms related to autism are considered supernaturally-related and therefore the affected children do not get any care. Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment are some of the main elements to help an autistic child develop to their full potential.

In the beginning, autism can be very difficult and this is the time a parent should learn as much as possible about treatment and how to improve the child’s communication and social behaviour.

In Africa, mental healthcare facilities and trained personnel to work with autistic children are few. Educational and behavioral interventions for children with autism are largely unavailable as well.

We also don’t have enough social groups, awareness centres and people to educate the community about autism. These are just some of the many challenges communities and Africa at large face.

African governments should strive to create more autism centres, especially in the rural areas, to give care and support to children living with autism as well as provide information and resources to families living with autistic children.

People should also take personal initiative to educate others about autism. Only together can we help autistic children live a normal life.

{Hellen Achiando, via email}