Many believe that designating a particular date, week or month as international days or weeks has greater importance to promote issues of concern, raise awareness, educate the general public and grab the attention of policy makers, pertinent bodies and stakeholders to let them act accordingly.
According to the interpretation of the United Nations, international days are powerful advocacy tools to advocate for vulnerable groups, mobilize resources and address pressing challenges. They serve as a springboard to show commitment, to act and achieve the desired goals. Because each international day offers actors the opportunity to organize activities related to the theme of the day, it helps to gather as many audiences as possible, sensitize on matters of concern and mobilize them to action.
Taking into account this and to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives, last Tuesday, April 2, the global community marked the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) under the theme, ‘Empowering Autistic Voices.’ Ethiopia also marked the day with various events including holding road runs, conducting awareness raising panel discussion among others.
In his keynote speech at an event organized by Nia Foundation, Health Minister Representative, Gobena Godana (MD) said that efforts are underway to support autistic people and those with other autism related health problems through putting in place working structure. The Ministry is working to have its own specialty and subspecialty section desk within the Ministry for persons with Autism.
The Ministry is keen to discharge its duties and responsibilities accordingly; and address the pressing problems of autistic people plus the challenges experienced by families for having autistic family members.
In 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared April 2 as International Autism Awareness Day with the aim to create awareness among the society towards people with autism and autism related health problems. This effort could produce a positive impact in letting communities get the right information about it thereby improving the lives of this segment of the society, he remarked.
According to Dr. Gobena, this year’s International Autism Day theme is “Empowering Autism Voice.” The ultimate goal of the workshop is to enhance the awareness of the communities and other stakeholders towards people with autism and make autistics engage in all areas of the activity.
Developed countries able to provide the required support and care to people with autism and other related health problems through arranging multi-disciplinary treatments, rehabilitation services as well as education and training programs to make them productive citizens, he further noted.
Mentioning that government and non-governmental organizations are duty-bound to improve the current autism center of rehabilitation and education to be supported by technology, he said the Ministry has been supporting Nia Foundation in various means based on the cooperation agreement.
Nia Foundation Executive Director Eleni Damitew also noted that the Foundation rehabilitated, educated and graduated about 29 autistics. Of the graduates, while 12 of them are working in the Foundation, 17 have joined their parents to work on their families’ business.
As to her, the foundation will travel soon to the four states to mark the day and to raise societal awareness about autism as well as to highlight the need to accept and appreciate autistic people and their contributions.
“We want everyone to be clear that a person with autism could be transformed into a productive citizen and lead a normal life with the right care and support. It is commendable to put in place a working system to address health problems at an early stage. Families are responsible for preparing young children for adulthood. Nia Foundation holds that community’s support is a key factor in helping people with autism to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.”
“Joy Center for Autism, which is being built in Addis Ababa, would accommodate 500 children with autism,” Eleni said.
At the panel discussion, papers regarding unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and issues related to the sexual reproductive health of persons with autism were presented.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Bahita Health Center Medical Director Yeshiwas Mitiku said that autism health problems hugely impact the way a person behaves, socializes, and interacts with others.
“The bold fact that we have to know is that autism has no cure but science has lined and designed working approaches to improve the quality of life autistic individuals,” he added
According to him, it is possible to improve the social functioning, learning and the quality of life for both children and adults with autism through providing sustained life skill training and therapies.
There are a number of therapies, like speech and occupational, as well as sensory integration, that could be provided for them. It is believed that these approaches could help victims integrate with the community and respond accordingly.
The best time to treat people with autism-related health problems is at an early age. He finally noted that children with autism need protection and understanding. In this regard, the role of families is irreplaceable. Thus, families need to have the courage to bring their child to schools and health and rehabilitation centers rather than hiding them behind locked rooms for fear of stigma. He also underlined that autism is simply a health problem and has nothing to do with any kind of evil spirit or curse.
He also called on health facilities to enhance health education and incorporate autism on their list as one of their agendas in the family health team. What is more, during pregnancy and after birth, mothers should visit health facilities and start prenatal and postnatal checkups to do away with birth related complications.
According to the latest research report from the CDC, the prevalence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has grown to one in 36 (2.8%). This is an increase from one in 44 children two years ago, and it is believed that since the report was recently released, the data is likely to stay the same through 2024.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald April 7/2024
