By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Sept. 30, GNA – Health and special needs professionals have stressed the importance of early screening and intervention for children with autism and other developmental conditions.
Speaking at the second Eastern Regional Parent Training Series on autism and special needs in Koforidua, Ms Ida Allotey-Brown, a Special Needs Educationist at Mission Pediatrics, advised parents to prioritise their health, particularly during pregnancy.
She encouraged pregnant women to eat well, take prescribed medication, get adequate rest, manage stress and pay attention to their mental wellbeing.
Ms Allotey-Brown explained that autism was not a disease but a neurodevelopmental condition.
She urged parents and caregivers to learn how to identify its early signs.
The educationist said screening remained important because early identification and intervention allowed children to benefit from the brain’s neuroplasticity.
According to her, interventions should be tailored to the individual needs of each child because children on the autism spectrum have different strengths and support requirements.
She indicated that recommendations from qualified professionals could include speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education or a combination of interventions.
Ms Sandra Quayson, the Founder of Starminds Ghana, also highlighted the need to strengthen awareness of different special needs support services available to families.
She said many parents lacked knowledge about the professionals involved in supporting children with special needs.
Ms Quayson noted that improving awareness would help families access appropriate services and continue therapy activities beyond clinical settings.
The programme brought together parents, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, media practitioners, stakeholders and policymakers from across the region.
Participants were trained on communication difficulties, learning challenges, behavioural concerns, social and emotional regulation issues and community advocacy.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]