Stakeholders emphasize that nurturing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder requires patience and love, encouraging parents and caregivers to demonstrate understanding in their interactions with them.
Experts stress the importance of tolerance, love, and compassion when caring for children with this condition, noting that their behaviors should be viewed as their best efforts.
As per the National Autistic Society, autism is a lifelong developmental disability impacting how individuals communicate and engage with the world.
The Society notes that over one in 100 individuals are on the autism spectrum, with approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the United Kingdom.
In line with these figures, the World Health Organization explains that autism encompasses a varied set of conditions linked to brain development, with around one in 100 children being diagnosed with autism.
The features of autism can be identified in early childhood, although a formal diagnosis often occurs much later.
The World Health Organization emphasized that individuals with autism can have diverse abilities and needs that may change over time.
While some individuals with autism can function independently, others may have more severe disabilities that require ongoing care and support.
“Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve communication and social skills, with a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of both autistic people and their caregivers.
“Care for people with autism needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support,” the WHO said.
According to Wakadaily , stakeholders emphasized that individuals with autism have inherent rights that need to be safeguarded.
The President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abdullahi Usman, expressed gratitude to parents for their support and urged them to continue showing love and respect towards their children with autism.
He stated , “Taking care of a child with a disability is a difficult thing which takes a good deal of love and patience to do. It is easier to take care of three normal children than to take care of one child with a disability.”
He believes that individuals with disabilities have diverse needs and personalities, making caregiving a challenging task that requires patience.
“They can do things that will make people wonder and that is because their understanding is quite different from those of other normal children. They try their best to be the best but they are limited by their condition.
“So, I pray that Almighty Allah will bless the parents taking care of children with autism. I also advise and encouraged them to keep doing their best in raising them to become useful and better children in society,” he restated.
Martins Asuquo, a Community Health Extension Worker in Lagos, described autism as a intricate neurological condition that affects communication, social interactions, and behavior.
He pointed out that individuals with autism require specific care and understanding due to their unique needs. Asuquo stressed the significance of being patient when working with children with autism, as they may exhibit different characteristics and behaviors that can be difficult to manage.
He highlighted the importance of showing patience and perseverance in order to create a supportive learning environment that allows for the realization of their full potential and positive development.
“They may also possess sensory sensitivities and can become easily overwhelmed in certain environments. Hence, there is a need to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Patience is a must if we must get the best out of these people,” he added.
