A Kaduna State-based non-governmental organisation, MIMFAD Autism Development and other Disabilities Support Initiative said it will begin a sensitisation programme to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of children with autism and other developmental disabilities in society.

Executive Director of the organisation, Maryam Ibrahim- Maifada, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna.

She said the sensitisation was part of the activities aimed at marking International Day for Children with Autism.

She said, “Every year, the International Day for Children with Autism is celebrated on April 2 and aims to raise awareness on autism. We as an organisation are embarking on this sensitisation to raise awareness on the importance of accepting children with autism in society. Many children face stigmatisation from friends and families due to autism challenges.”

She said being autistic did not mean one had an illness or disease; it means one’s brain works in a different way from other people.

Ibrahim-Maifada stated, “It’s something you’re born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you’re very young, or not until you’re older. If you’re autistic, you’re autistic your whole life. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a cure. But some people need support to help them with certain things.

She said Autism Spectrum Disorder was a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

“People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging,” she said.

According to her, autistic people can lead a full life and people should learn to accept them and not stigmatise them.

She added, “Being autistic does not have to stop you from having a good life. Like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.

She further said that being autistic did not mean one could never make friends, have relationships or get a job, but one might need extra help with these things.

She added that in this year’s celebration, the organisation chose the slogan “#autism_taught_me.”

He urged caregivers and parents with autistic children to write their experience of learning how to deal with a child or a person with autism disorder.

(NAN)