Accra, April 3, GNA – Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady has joined global leaders to mark International Autism Awareness Day by saluting and recognising the efforts of parents of children with disabilities all across Ghana.
She said with the “coronavirus pandemic upon us, these parents have taken their children’s routine educational and developmental growth into their own hands.
“Without schools in session, these parents have become educators and behavioural specialists to ensure their children’s future is bright”.
In a message to mark the Day, Mrs Akufo-Addo, therefore, asked Ghanaians to be mindful of providing training and mentorship to autistic children so “we can all help foster their growth”.
She said as a mother, “I know being a parent is a tough job. So to see these parents take on more roles to serve their children in this time of crisis is truly heart-warming”.
This time is particularly challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their late teens, who are ready to start working, she stated.
The theme for this year’s World Autism Day is: “Transitioning to adulthood”.
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day observed on April 2 each year, to encourage Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including; autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world.
The day brings individual autism organizations together all around the world, to aid in things like research, diagnoses, treatment, and acceptance for those affected by this developmental disorder.
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, in a message, said the rights of persons with autism must be taken into account in the formulation of all responses to the COVID-19 virus.
“On World Autism Awareness Day, let us stand together, support each other and show solidarity with persons with autism.
He said it was regretful that this year’s observance is taking place “in the midst of a public health crisis unlike any other in our lifetimes – a crisis that places persons with autism at disproportionate risk as a result of the coronavirus and its impact on society.
He said persons with autism have the right to self-determination, independence and autonomy, and the right to education and employment on an equal basis with others.
“But the breakdown of vital support systems and networks as a result of COVID-19 exacerbates the obstacles that persons with autism face in exercising these rights.
“We must ensure that a prolonged disruption caused by the emergency does not result in rollbacks of the rights that persons with autism and their representative organizations have worked so hard to advance”, he stated.
Also, Mr Guterres said, universal human rights, including the rights of persons with disabilities, must not be infringed upon in the time of a pandemic.
Governments, therefore, have a responsibility to ensure that their responses include; persons with autism.
Persons with autism should never face discrimination when seeking medical care.
They must continue to have access to the support systems required to remain in their homes and communities through times of crisis, instead of facing the prospect of forced institutionalisation, the UN Secretary-General said.
GNA