Health care specialists and parents of persons living with Autism Spectrum Disorder have said that there is a need to dispel beliefs among Nigerians that autism is a spiritual challenge.
The Founder of the Patrick Speech and Language Centre in Lagos, Mrs. Dotun Akande, who spoke in Lagos at the GTBank 2015 Orange Ribbon Initiative entitled “Bridging the Gaps and Transforming lives”, noted that increased awareness would demystify cultural and spiritual beliefs associated with the disorder.
Akande, who said there was the need for persons born with the congenital disorder to receive early medical attention, noted that it would assist them to lead an independent life.
Akande said, “Autism can be picked as early as six months. When a child is diagnosed as early as two years, it gives room for a better health outcome than when a child is diagnosed after 10 years. That is why we must educate mothers and caregivers that it is not a spiritual problem so that they do not seek solution to it in the wrong places.”
According to her, the increased campaign has helped increase awareness as more indigent families now seek medical assistance for their loved ones living with ASD.
ASD is a complex pervasive developmental disorder. ASD is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way affected persons relate with people around them.
She added, “We are seeing more Nigerians with autism and the level of stigma and spiritual beliefs are reducing. Many parents have realised their children have autism. We have been able to tackle the issue of spiritual causes in Nigeria through awareness, just as more children are diagnosed early.
The Managing Director, GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, urged Nigerians to contribute to eradicating the stigma associated with persons living with the disorder.
“We will continue to provide support for parents, teachers and care givers of children living with autism through our annual programme. We are looking at a society whereby we can help individuals with special need participate in the political process and increase their access to technology tailored for persons affected by ASD.”
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