One of the challenges we face is the lack of awareness on autism - Merina George

As the world celebrates Autism Awareness Day today, Merina George of Talk Autism Fiji Group says one of the challenges they face is the lack of awareness on autism.

George who is the mother of an 8-year-old autistic child, says most of the autistic children are bullied, treated differently, suffer from name-calling and the stigma is that they are seen as abnormal.

George who works for Frank Hilton Organization says the group tries to raise awareness so that people are able to educate their children and other generations that may not have heard of autism to be aware of the conditions of children with autism.

She adds they had plans for the month but due to the COVID-19 restrictions they will not have any public engagements.

George says they will utilize social media to share autism awareness messages.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.