By Florence Oyibodoro
Autism spectrum disorder, ASD is a neurological and brain development disorder that affects how people interact with others.
Although, autism can be diagnosed at any age, its symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
Some autistic people need a lot of assistance in their daily lives, while others could work and live with little or no support and could last throughout a person’s life.
According to scientists, the symptoms are more common in males than females. There is no cure for autism but early detection, understanding and accepting people with autism is crucial to managing the disorder.
Research has also showed that activities promoting independence could improve daily skills and reduce autism symptoms.
Often time, people discriminate against autistic persons in the family circle, in schools and the society in general, basically because of their peculiar nature and lack of the knowledge on why they act the way they do, resulting in less or no attention for these unique set of people.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, certain environmental influences may increase autism risk, such as advanced parental age, parenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides
Maternal obesity, diabetes or immune system disorders as well as birth complications, leading to bouts of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain
To address this ugly trend and create global awareness on the peculiarity of these persons with special needs, the United Nations, UN, since 2007 set aside 2nd of April annually, to celebrate Autism Awareness Day, draw attention and create awareness about autism spectrum disorder, to show understanding to people with ASD and be more kind to them.
The Autism Awareness day has become a special occasion to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address the needs of autistic people globally. The United Nations, UN has embraced this day as a a very good advocacy tool to garner support and create more awareness on the necessity of accepting autism in the society.
In Delta state, the wife of the state governor and Founder You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has made the care for autistic people a top priority, in her effort to compliment the MORE developmental agenda of the governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.
For instance, as part of activities to mark her 54th birth anniversary, on the 5th of February this year, Deaconess Oborevwori visited the centre for autistic children, had a good time with them, donated food items and cash to the centre and made the Proprietress, Mrs. Joy Okonji an Ambassador of the You Matter Charity Foundation.
The governor’s wife also advocated support for welfare, education and healthcare for the children, and counselled that their condition is not a death sentence.
She said it had been her passion to put smiles on the faces of persons with special needs, necessitating the focus of her pet project on autism, and promised continued support for the centre.
Indeed, the governor’s wife gesture is worthy of emulation. More public spirited individuals should follow in the example Deaconess Oborevwori in expressing genuine love to others and give hope to the hopeless, especially the vulnerable in the society
As the world commemorates these special people in the society, with the theme “Empowering Autistic Voices” the Day should be a time to appreciate differences, promote understanding, and make the world a more inclusive place for those with autism spectrum disorder.
