Autism Awareness Day observed

The numbers attending special schools have been increasing which goes to show that there are many more unidentified children with autism in the community.

President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau highlighted this during his address on Autism Awareness Day today.

Ratu Epeli said though there are 67 million people worldwide with Autism, in Fiji statistics of those living with Autism are still not available.
 
He said today marks the 7th year of celebrations and it is our role to educate the public and community so they may have a better understanding of Autism.

He said a handful of people will start talking about Autism which in turn will hopefully open doors especially to early detection, early diagnosis and early intervention.

The Suva Special School Principal Bishwa Sidal said for the whole month they will be focusing on creating more awareness to encourage those parents to bring their children to school if they are suffering from any kind of disability.

Meanwhile, Autism Spectrum Disorder or “Autism” are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.

This is a lifelong developmental condition usually affecting children and characterized by lack of response to people as well as limited ability to communicate.

5 special and 1 inclusive school Ram Lakhan Primary were also part of the observance today.


Story by: Sheetal Kumar