The UN General Assembly in 2007 adopted 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day, thus, we must shine a light on the challenges people on the autism spectrum are faced with in our schools, workplaces and in the community at large. It is also a day set aside primarily to promote awareness, celebrate the uniqueness of individuals on the spectrum, and show appreciation of their contributions to society.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the National Institutes of Health as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. According to World Health Organization, 1 in 100 children has autism and while some children with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. In 2023, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a public health agency of the United States, reported a rise in ASD cases from the previous rate of 1 in 44 children to 1 in 36 children in the US. Despite the challenges in estimating the prevalence of ASD in Ghana, which can be attributed to the limited data and inadequate research capacity in the country, my interactions with parents, health care and educational professionals indicate an increase in identified cases over the years.
In support of this year’s theme ‘Moving from Surviving to Thriving’, we must all push to ensure provision of support in all forms for persons on the spectrum. A focus on the four areas highlighted below should put us on the right path to achieve the inclusive society we all desire.
Policy: Collaborative efforts are essential in developing inclusive policies covering education, healthcare, and employment for neurodivergent individuals. This includes mandatory training for educators to identify signs of autism, certification programs for professionals in intervention techniques, and ensuring adequate support in early childhood development centres and schools. Lastly, organisations and businesses should be encouraged and incentivized to not only employ neurodivergent individuals but also provide the requisite trainings to ensure they excel in their roles.
Financial Support: To enable parents and caregivers afford the needed interventions to support persons with ASD, I propose that the National Health Insurance Scheme subsidizes, to some degree, interventions such as speech and behavioral therapy, and also partners public, private and non-profit organisations to develop financial assistance programs to support families in accessing ASD care.
Awareness: Partnering key community stakeholders such as religious and traditional rulers to deepen education and promote acceptance of ASD will give it the desired mileage required. Also, establishing community-based programs to disseminate information in local dialects and cultural settings will deepen understanding, making it relatable and impactful.
Social Support: Caring for neurodivergent children and individuals takes a toll on parents and caregivers. Establish support groups and community-based initiatives will go a long way in garnering social support and inclusion.
In conclusion, let’s draw from an insightful paper published on Autism in Africa: Prevalence, Diagnosis, Treatment and the Impact of Social and Cultural factors on Families and Caregivers: A Review by Nicholas Aderinto, Deji Olatunji and Oluwatobi Idowu which proffers viable suggestions highlighted below, which I believe will greatly further our mission ;
Invest in research to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in our cultural settings.
Strengthen collaboration between government, non-profit organisations, and private sector stakeholders to fund ASD services.
Encourage research collaborations between African countries and international research institutions.
Invest in national and regional ASD registries or databases to collect data on prevalence, and intervention outcomes.
Together, let us reaffirm our commitment as one people to create a society that is supportive of neurodivergent individuals, one that provides equal opportunities for all to thrive and contribute to the progress of our great nation.
Dakoa Newman Member of Parliament - Okaikwei South Constituency Minister Designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection
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