Still a lot of misunderstanding, stigma surrounding autism – AREO

…as efforts get underway to raise awareness in Region 5

Efforts are being made by the Education Department of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to raise awareness of autism. The department hosted an awareness walk and autism outreach on Friday.
Some 36 children are autistic in Region Five and there are many more who are yet to be diagnosed, according to Assistant Regional Executive Officer Rohini Mooklal.
There is however still a lot of misunderstanding and stigma surrounding autism, and too often, she said, people with autism are seen as being difficult or challenging when in fact they are simply different.
According to Mooklal, society has to learn how to support and accommodate their needs.

“One of the most significant ways that we can do this is by investing in special needs education. Education is a fundamental right for every child, including those with special needs. Special needs education is critical in ensuring that children with disabilities have access to quality education that meets their unique needs. Special needs education provides a tailored approach to teaching so that it recognizes and accommodates the individual needs of students with disabilities.”
Unfortunately, Mooklal added, special needs education has been, until recently, underfunded and under-prioritized. Without the right kind of support, these children could struggle academically, socially, and emotionally, and may be at risk for developing mental health issues.
This year autism awareness month is being observed under the theme; ‘Celebrating our Differences Through Awareness, Acceptance and Support.’
Education Officer with responsibilities for Special Educational Needs (SEN), Akehia Benjamin pointed out that Friday’s activity aimed at advocating for better support towards persons with Autism through public awareness and alliance building with other stakeholders.
She said it also paves the way for the SEN Unit to advance its work in the delivery of SEN services to children who are challenged.
“It is our hope that this activity will also provide the avenue for parents, teachers and other members of the public to be sensitized of Autism as a category of disability that children are challenged with, support mechanisms and services, coping strategies and activities that can enhance learning, social skills and physical development among others.”
Furthermore, this activity aims to promote greater awareness to the public that learners with Autism can also be self-sufficient in the future and can contribute to our country’s economy Benjamin added.

“If they are provided the necessary support at school, home, and in society as a whole. Additionally, in keeping with the theme for this event: “Celebrating our Differences through Awareness, Acceptance and Support”, this event also provides ample opportunity for persons to develop a positive attitude towards those who are challenged and express solidarity in acceptance and support for persons living with Autism.”
Meanwhile, Education Officer Latchme Sharma noted that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other categories of disabilities are challenged on a daily basis by the most essential human behaviours. Hence, educating the public to foster awareness and acceptance is one of the primary forms of support.
“We firmly believe that all children can learn regardless of their different circumstances and we fully endorse the initiative of the SEN Unit in promoting advocacy and awareness at this timely event… Parents please be reminded that we are committed to providing the necessary support to you(SEND) as we endeavor to light their fires. We firmly believe that all children can learn regardless of their different circumstances and we fully endorse the initiative of the SEN Unit in promoting advocacy and awareness at this timely event in the form of an Autism Awareness Forum,” she said.
Sharma committed to parents to provide the necessary support to ensure their children benefit from quality education delivery. (G4)