As the world marks Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, member representing Afikpo North/ Afikpo South in the House of Representatives, Hon. Iduma Igariwey, has called for tolerance and understanding for people suffering from the health condition.
In a statement made available to Blueprint Tuesday, Igariwey said such people deserve all the help and understanding they can get, as the condition requires constant attention and care.
He called on Nigerians not to discriminate against people suffering from the health condition, but to be kind enough to help them grow up in homes and communities that are sympathetic to their special needs, in order to keep reminding them that they are no less than other people, and that they can learn, grow and improve in their daily tasks.
He said: “More than 100,000 autism cases are reported in Nigeria per year. Autism is a lifelong, non-progressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years. It limits their ability to communicate and have normal social interactions. We have all these kids around us, who we broadly call “imbeciles” because they talk slowly, can’t read/write at expected rates, can’t understand words easily, stammer, and generally look different from us. They can’t be healed from it. Treatment can help, but this condition is not curable. It can be chronic and last for years or for a lifetime.
“Therefore, we must be much more sympathetic, kind and attentive to people suffering from Autism around us and help them perform basic daily functions at their own pace .Do not call them names or shout at them. Do not discriminate against them. Try to create an all-inclusive society for them to interact with other kids. Teach the other kids under you to be patient and kind to them.
“Let us be kind enough to help autistic kids grow up in homes and communities that are sympathetic to their special needs and let us keep reminding them that they are no less than other people, and they can learn, grow and improve to perform better every time they try. When you notice any of these early symptoms, please take them to the hospital for diagnosis.”
