By Umar Egbunu Muhammed, Lafia
No fewer than 25 Autistic children in Nasarawa state have undergone therapeutic management across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that most of the children with Autism in the state were reportedly being neglected due to their conditions.
Consequently, Health Experts and Care Givers in Nasarawa have advocated for the establishment of a Special Agency for management, treatment and care for Autistic Children to enable them to attain their full potentials.
A Paediatrician at the Special Baby Unit, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia, Nasarawa State, Dr. Toafik Oluwaseun, who spoke to our correspondent in Lafia on Saturday, explained that Autism could be diagnosed at the age of six months and three years of birth if the child is unable to respond to eye contacts, verbal and non verbal communication as well as repetition of one thing continuously.
Dr. Oluwaseun, who stated that Autism which is a disorder that is not curable, emphasis for early diagnosis to access care and management rather than attributing the condition to spiritual attacks and witchcrafts.
They also stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns in the state to avert such discrimination against them.
Their words: “We are calling on the state government to increase awareness campaigns as most children with Autism in the state are being neglected due to their conditions.”
According to them, Autism is a permanent genetic developmental disorder from the brain which affects the ability to communicate and interact.
When our correspondent visited Government Special School Lafia and gathered that the school had 25 Autistic Children undergoing therapeutic management.
The head of the school, Mrs. Baerbel Jaja, who spoke to our correspondent, said most of the children had been denied acceptance by their parents as a result of their conditions.
An Autism Therapist and Care Giver, Mr. Yahaya Kumo also explained that due to low awareness, most parents find it difficult to identify themselves with their Autistic Children.
He called on government at all levels to initiate special intervention programmes targeted at creating enably environment for caring and given attention to children with Autism to enable them have sense of belonging.
