509 children living with Autism identified by the Frank Hilton Organisation

The Frank Hilton Organisation has identified approximately 509 children who have displayed some features that may be considered similar to Autism out of which only 22.59 percent have received formal diagnosis.

Frank Hilton Organisation says there has not been a prevalence study to capture details of Autism in Fiji and there is very little data as only a small number of people receive a formal diagnosis for this illness.

Frank Hilton Organisation says there has not been a prevalence study to capture details of Autism in Fiji and there is very little data as only a small number of people receive a formal diagnosis for this illness.

The Organisation further says the CWM Hospital has a team of pediatricians who are trained and qualified to provide diagnosis.

They say they have also received support from a Speech Pathologist in Hanen Communication training to equip the Positive Behaviour Support officers in implementing communication strategies during therapy sessions and use other evidence-based intervention strategies and standardized assessments to support children with Autism.

The Organisation says it is essential that we understand and learn the engagement and communication techniques that will help better interact and engage with persons on the spectrum as they require an extensive degree of self-awareness, acceptance and engagement from parents in their development.

They say they require a system strategy in implementing awareness on national movements such as Pinktober and Drug Awareness that is usually implemented at the school level which would require the same approach to raise awareness for Autism.

The FHO says they also look for technical support to streamline data collection specifically to children presenting with Autism while a parent or a caregiver who is not well informed about what Autism is may experience challenges in coping with the child’s behaviour and may not be well equipped to support and actively engage with the child.

The Organisation says children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or any child with a disability should be within a mainstream school and not be limited to attending only special schools.

FHO says people and families with Autism are not alone as there is help available and the earlier they can reach out for help the better it is.

They say FHO has programs for children with ASD through its Behaviour Support and Speech Pathology Departments and all programs are run by qualified professionals who receive ongoing training and mentoring from overseas consultants who work within a multidisciplinary team.