The founder of the Afi Antonio Foundation, Philomena Esinam Afi Antonio, has encouraged parents to be proud of their autistic children.
With growing awareness of the conditions of people living with autism, Ms Antonio has charted a course with her foundation, which focuses on training children with autism to become photo models and other professionals.
Speaking with Edith Oppong of Peace FM, Madam Philomena Esinam Afi Antonio urged parents of autistic children to show their children love and care in order to break the societal stigma associated with autism.
“Love them as they are. Love them equally as you will love any other child without autism. Parents should understand children with autism and have time for them.” She said
She added that if the stigma is addressed, parents will feel more comfortable taking their children out without fear of being mocked.
According to her, her work with autistic children has transformed some of the children, who are now exploring and profiting from their various talents.
Madam Antonio stated that her foundation has provided training to autistic children in bead making, painting, and other professions.
As April 2 marks World Autism Day, the Afi Antonio Foundation is calling for greater inclusion to combat the stigma associated with the condition.
World Health Organisation record indicates that about 1 in 100 children has autism (1). This estimate represents an average figure and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says more children are being diagnosed with autism than ever before. The rates may reflect the growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder and a focus on getting more children into treatment. Other factors including air pollution, low birth weight, and stress may also be behind the increase in diagnoses.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe multiple causes of ASD act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people.
The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
