It’s April 2, and it’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and
I am lighting it up BLUE!!!
The theme for this year’s WAAD is “Towards Self-Determination
and Autonomy”. To achieve autonomy for a person on the spectrum, independence and
an inclusive society are very important. People with autism need your love and
care. Although they are different, they are not less than us.
Make a decision today to love and support people with autism
around you. Support their families as well. This way, we can create an
inclusive society for them; a society that accommodates their difference, that accommodates
and meets their needs.
In raising an independent adult on the spectrum, there is
need for therapy (behaviour, speech and language, and occupational therapy
among others) and parental support. Parents need to encourage their children on
the autism spectrum daily, as they learn basic skills that are important for
daily living.
To encourage Self-Determination and Autonomy for individuals
with autism, we need to understand their rights and encourage them. This month
on the blog, we will be learning about those rights and what part we ought to
play.
Also on the blog this month, we will be celebrating certain
organizations that support people on the autism spectrum, especially children.
You don’t want to miss that.
More than that, for people that do not have children on the
autism spectrum, we will be learning ways that we can support children with
autism and other related disorders. What parts can we play? How can we help? You
need to stay tune to know these.
This blog will be active, and I hope you will available to
read and share on social media. You don’t know who you will be helping by
sharing.
OTHER GISTS!
The month of April is dedicated to autism awareness around
the world, and there are so many activities across the country towards this
purpose.
On April 8, Autism Gist with Adelola will be joining Patrick
Speech and Languages Centre and other autism stakeholders and supporters to
dance for Autism awareness.
Apart from that, Thursday April 20 to Saturday the 22nd, I
will be at the Pure Soul’s Learning Foundation’s FREE THERAPY OUTREACH. It is a
free consultation program for families in Lagos and its environs who cannot
afford therapy for their children with autism and related disorders.
Paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists,
occupational therapists, behaviour analysts/therapists, nutritionists, among
others will be present to assess and proffer solutions for parents and siblings
on how to meet the needs of these individuals on the spectrum.
Please spread the word. You may never know who you will be
helping by spreading awareness. Thank you.
Before I forget, HAPPY WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY!!!
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