World Autism Awareness Day
“Autism is not a
disability, it’s a different ability.”- Stuart Duncan
There are some in the society who continue to state that there is an association between vaccination and autism, however, available scientific evidence does not support this theory. There are in all probability many factors that make a child more likely to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder including environmental and genetic factors. It must be noted that available epidemiological data are conclusive that there is no evidence of a causal association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and ASD. We need to guard our minds against conspiracy theories and find the support and help for our children who urgently require same. Professor of Child Health, Child Development and Behavior at the University of the West Indies, Maureen Samms- Vaughan says a delay in the child’s speech is one of the first signs of this condition. The Professor added that parents may also observe delay regarding the development of social skills where the child does not interact with them or with other children.
Jamaica
According to Kathy Chang, co-founder of the non-profit Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA), approximately 700 children are born with autism in Jamaica each year. She argues that more needs to be done to help overcome the stigma associated with the disorder. She added that The Jamaica Autism Support Association has among their goals; to raise awareness about Autism in Jamaica; to assist in research on the prevalence of autism in Jamaica; to advocate for action, intervention, accommodations and solutions; tax relief for Autism individuals and families affected, early screening, free health care, occupational, speech and physical therapy, psychiatric and psychological care, subsidized education. To take the steps necessary to have an education system in Jamaica that is inclusive for our children. Parents of autistic children require as much support as possible. One such support group the Jamaica Autism Support Association holds their meetings on the last Saturday of each month at the Kingston YMCA.
More prevalent in boys
Autism is four to five times more prevalent in boys than girls. Of the 678 confirmed cases of children born with the condition in Jamaica last year, 545 are boys and 133 are girls, with almost half of the children having average or above-average intellectual functioning, according to data provided by Chang. In a newspaper interview Chang said, “the stigma issue is ever-present”, she is hopeful that efforts will be redoubled locally in order to end it, as people who are affected by the condition are first of all human beings, loving and caring. Those living with autism require the same level of respect as we show those we deemed normal. The society need to invest more resources especially regarding the educational needs of these students. Currently, Jamaica does not have sufficient space for students in the public education system with autism and as a result parents are frustrated as they search to find learning opportunities for their children. Consequently, many of these parents often resort to homeschooling their autistic children.The current pandemic has reminded the world that regardless of skin colour, social class, education, gender and religious affiliation that we are all connected by the same threads of humanity. A useful online resource can be found at www.autism.org. Happy World Autism Awareness Day.
In the words of Maya Angelou, in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Jamaica #WAAD
World Autism Awareness Day is observed globally
each year on April 2. The day is sanctioned by United Nations to highlight the
struggles and achievements of those living with autism. The theme of World
Autism Awareness Day is The Transition to
Adulthood. It is estimated that worldwide one in 68 children has autism. According
to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, “people with
autism have a right to education and employment on an equal basis with others.
We must ensure that a long disruption caused by the #COVID19 crisis does not
result in rollbacks of the rights they have worked so hard to advance.” According
to the World Health Organization, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a
range of conditions characterized by some degree of impaired social behaviour,
communication and language, and a narrow range of interests and activities that
are both unique to the individual and carried out repetitively. Autism Spectrum
Disorders begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and
adulthood. In most cases the conditions are apparent during the first 5 years
of life. Persons with ASD often present other co-occurring conditions,
including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). The level of intellectual functioning in individuals with ASDs
is extremely variable, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.
Autism is not a mental health problem, autism is a developmental issue.
Human rights
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often subject to stigma and
discrimination, including unjust deprivation of health care, education and
opportunities to engage and participate in their communities. People with ASD have the same health problems that
affect the general population. Furthermore, they may have specific health-care
needs related to ASD or other co-occurring conditions. They may be more
vulnerable to developing chronic noncommunicable conditions because of
behavioural risk factors such as physical inactivity and poor dietary
preferences, and are at greater risk of violence, injury and abuse. Individuals
with ASD require accessible health services for general health-care needs like
the rest of the population, including promotive and preventive services and
treatment of acute and chronic illness. Nevertheless, people with ASD have
higher rates of unmet health-care needs compared with the general population.
They are also more vulnerable during humanitarian emergencies. A common barrier
is created by health-care providers’ inadequate knowledge of ASD and
misconceptions.
CausesThere are some in the society who continue to state that there is an association between vaccination and autism, however, available scientific evidence does not support this theory. There are in all probability many factors that make a child more likely to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder including environmental and genetic factors. It must be noted that available epidemiological data are conclusive that there is no evidence of a causal association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and ASD. We need to guard our minds against conspiracy theories and find the support and help for our children who urgently require same. Professor of Child Health, Child Development and Behavior at the University of the West Indies, Maureen Samms- Vaughan says a delay in the child’s speech is one of the first signs of this condition. The Professor added that parents may also observe delay regarding the development of social skills where the child does not interact with them or with other children.
Jamaica
According to Kathy Chang, co-founder of the non-profit Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA), approximately 700 children are born with autism in Jamaica each year. She argues that more needs to be done to help overcome the stigma associated with the disorder. She added that The Jamaica Autism Support Association has among their goals; to raise awareness about Autism in Jamaica; to assist in research on the prevalence of autism in Jamaica; to advocate for action, intervention, accommodations and solutions; tax relief for Autism individuals and families affected, early screening, free health care, occupational, speech and physical therapy, psychiatric and psychological care, subsidized education. To take the steps necessary to have an education system in Jamaica that is inclusive for our children. Parents of autistic children require as much support as possible. One such support group the Jamaica Autism Support Association holds their meetings on the last Saturday of each month at the Kingston YMCA.
More prevalent in boys
Autism is four to five times more prevalent in boys than girls. Of the 678 confirmed cases of children born with the condition in Jamaica last year, 545 are boys and 133 are girls, with almost half of the children having average or above-average intellectual functioning, according to data provided by Chang. In a newspaper interview Chang said, “the stigma issue is ever-present”, she is hopeful that efforts will be redoubled locally in order to end it, as people who are affected by the condition are first of all human beings, loving and caring. Those living with autism require the same level of respect as we show those we deemed normal. The society need to invest more resources especially regarding the educational needs of these students. Currently, Jamaica does not have sufficient space for students in the public education system with autism and as a result parents are frustrated as they search to find learning opportunities for their children. Consequently, many of these parents often resort to homeschooling their autistic children.The current pandemic has reminded the world that regardless of skin colour, social class, education, gender and religious affiliation that we are all connected by the same threads of humanity. A useful online resource can be found at www.autism.org. Happy World Autism Awareness Day.
In the words of Maya Angelou, in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Jamaica #WAAD
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