By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, July 25, GNA – Government has been urged to establish autism units in communities to support persons on the spectrum and ease the burden on families.
Mr Abeiku Grant, Head of Programmes at the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre (AACTC), made the call during an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the Centre’s annual arts and crafts exhibition in Haatso.
He said the limited number of care centres meant parents and caregivers often travelled long distances with their children, an expense many struggling families could not afford. “Because of the level of care these children need, some parents are unable to work,” he stated.
Mr Grant, who has worked with autistic children for 19 years, defined autism as a restricted pattern of behaviour.
He noted that the situation was more challenging in rural areas where no dedicated centres existed.
Mr Grant cautioned that children kept in isolation may struggle to function independently, stressing the need for exposure and training.
He encouraged parents not to withdraw from society due to stigma but to seek support from experienced caregivers and professionals.
Mr Grant recommended targeted government interventions to support parents and caregivers of autistic children.
Mr Joseph Larmie, Coordinator at the Centre, said autism must not be seen as a limitation.
“Just because somebody is autistic doesn’t mean the person cannot thrive. It all depends on the opportunity you give them,” he stated.
Mr Larmie cited global figures such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Mozart and Elon Musk, widely believed to have been on the autism spectrum, as examples of what was possible with the right environment.
“These people we think are very special… were also on the autism spectrum. And why did they thrive? It is because they were given the opportunity,” he added.
The Centre, established 28 years ago, currently trains 22 learners daily and runs awareness campaigns and workshops for parents and teachers to equip them with skills to support autistic children.
Items on display at the exhibition included crafts, paintings and vocational works produced by the learners.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Priscilla Oye Ofori