Autism Awareness Month in April to increase public understanding
World Autism Awareness Month serves as a platform to advocate for better support and services for individuals who have autism, and their families.
POLOKWANE -Autism Awareness Month is commemorated worldwide in April.
The abilities and needs of people with autism vary – while some people can live independently, others require life-long care and support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 100 children has autism and although characteristics may be detected in early childhood, autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
Kelly Sekgalo, a professional nurse at New Horizon Special School explained that commemorating World Autism Awareness Month is significant for several reasons, one being that it increases public understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“Many people still lack accurate information about autism which leads to misconceptions. Commemorating World Autism Day helps to dispel certain myths and foster a more inclusive society and promotes acceptance and inclusion by highlighting the strengths and challenges of individuals with autism which lead to more supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities,” she said.
“World Autism Awareness Month serves as a platform to advocate for better support and services for individuals who have autism, and their families. This includes access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities and social services tailored to their needs.”
Most importantly, it empowers individuals with autism to embrace their unique identities and strengths. It sends a message that they are valued members of society deserving of respect and opportunities.
“Increased awareness often leads to greater investment in the research on autism. This can lead to advancements in understanding the causes of autism, early intervention strategies, and therapies to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD,” she concluded.
