Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy says it is of utmost importance to ensure that all children with Autism are given all the opportunities to attend school so that they gain control of their lives and are determined to live life to the fullest.
Speaking at the World Autism Awareness Day, Reddy says Autism exists in all regions across the globe and Fiji is no exception.
He says the Special schools under the Ministry of Education have planned a number of activities, in partnership with the parents and families of children with autism to help raise awareness among the people.
Reddy says the objective of these activities would be to reach out to all and inform them of this important day and at the same time support the people with this condition to become more independent and integrate with the norms of life.
The Minister says this will make them feel accepted at all levels and thereby increasing their self‑esteem and will to pursue their career and aspirations.
Reddy says Special and Inclusive Education has been a vital component of the current Fijian Educational Movement.
The Minister has requested all stakeholders to get together and observe the World Autism Day.
He says Autism has generally been defined as a disorder, not a disease.
Many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder appear to be on their own and show little or no interest to others around them and some of them do not speak, even though they understand spoken language.
The national observance of the World Autism Awareness Day will be held at Nadi Centre for Special Education on Friday.
Reddy says observance of this day will be an opportunity to remind all that disability is real and can occur in families regardless of social, economic, cultural, religious or racial background and persons with this condition need to be treated with dignity and respect and need to be embraced as equal citizens of our beautiful country.
