Why Every Nigerian Should Be Autism Aware
2017 GTB Autism Awareness Conference is here again and it is an opportunity everyone should take advantage of. It is free and comes with a lot of learning. The theme this year is Childhood to adulthood: Communications and Social development
Autism is slowly ceasing to be a strange name in Nigerian homes today. We know it exists but somehow we shy away from truly understanding it. This may be due to many inexcusable factors but ignorance is never a viable excuse. Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication (Autism Speaks). Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
While we may tend to push some children’s behavior under the cloak of spiritual problems or stubbornness we should be aware that the prevalence rate is on the increase. Why ignore what you can properly manage. Why leave your child to the mercies of spiritual homes when he/she can learn to smile and be truly happy again.
People ask the question “but my child is not affected, why should I be interested?” To be aware of our immediate environment and the factors that lead to its sustainability has done no one harm. It pays to be aware or in recent terms ‘to be woke’. That child in your neighborhood who you look at funny. Your friends child or who knows a random stranger on the street may live a better life if you arm yourself with knowledge.
You should be autism aware, which is why what the Guarantee Trust Bank does every year with the Autism Conference is highly commendable. It is free and promises to be very enlightening. And yes, there would also be a free consultation for children living with Autism. You can register Here, the conference would start on the 13th- 14th of July while the free consultation would take place from the 17th – 22nd of July, 2017.
Be a voice for children and adults living with Autism.
Register and make a difference or use the resources available on the internet.
