We ought to raise awareness on autism

It observes the diversity various neurological types express.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. In June 2005, some organisations launched the first annual Autistic Pride Day, with events around the world. Autistic pride asserts that autistic people are not sick; rather, they have a unique set of characteristics that provide them many rewards and challenges, not unlike their non-autistic peers.

To achieve further autism awareness in the country, media coverage is necessary.  Dr Zulfiqarali G Abbas gave interviews to 12 newspapers and 3 TV stations as well as an editorial by The Guardian newspaper.  This years’ event was widely publicised not only in the local papers but a local television station also ran a half an hour special programme focusing not only on the activities of The Autistic Day Care Centre, but also raising awareness on Autism as well.       The World Federation Autistic Centre was opened in Dar-es-Salaam on 19th February 2006.  The first of its kind in the whole of East Africa, this Centre provides structured support for children with autism and other disabling and chronic conditions. 

The Centre in Dar-es-Salaam was opened to provide a well structured, nurturing environment for children diagnosed with autism and other chronic conditions such as down syndrome, ADHD, ADD and other learning disabilities.  The centre currently operates as a day education school, teaching life, and social, communication, and behaviour skills on top of the basic curriculum. 

The World Federation Autistic Day Care Centre receives in house training and full support from the National Autistic Society of the UK. The centre has had renowned visitors, who train staff in working effectively with the children.  Today as many as one out of every 166 children will be born autistic.  Accurate diagnosis and early intervention can provide for building an effective and appropriate education and treatment programme.  In developing countries, the facilities to treat children with autism are poor and very expensive.  Children with autism and other disabling conditions are discriminated against and considered to be useless.  These groups of children are deprived of any treatment or therapy and end up in institutions enduring terrible suffering for the rest of their lives.  Though it is very difficult to find specific data on the number of children affected by autism in Africa, the number of diagnoses is rising, and is now higher than it has ever been before. 

However, the personalised therapy and education that these children receive at the Centre is already having a positive effect on the students.  The children have shown progress and improvement.  There are several success stories of children showing change in behaviours.