Breaking the silence: Understanding the unique world of autism

Children with autism are angels who lost their way to heaven and fell down on earth.

A child is a gift from God when they are born, but when they are diagnosed with autism, they become a burden or a curse for the woman’s family.

The husband starts to desert the family.

Mothers begin to doubt God.

They sob uncontrollably, but mothers will not abandon their special child no matter what.

Autism is a neurological condition that affects social communication and behavior. There is a wide range of autism spectrum disorders, and each individual is unique. Some people have autism spectrum disorders, and each individual is unique.

Some people with autism may have difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. It is important to understand and respect the differences among those with autism.

Despite its prevalence, there is still a great deal of misinformation surrounding autism, leading to misconceptions and stigmatisation.

One of the key aspects of autism is its wide-ranging spectrum. While the term ‘spectrum’ itself suggests a continuum of characteristics, the reality is that no two individuals with autism are alike.’

Nana Donkor Arthur, a social media influencer in the United States of America and a mother of a child with special needs (Charlton), suggests that two of the best ways to communicate and interact with people who have autism spectrum disorder are to show affection and respect.

‘’Parents should teach their special child about how to express anger without being too aggressive,” she continued.

Once again, you should not use several languages in your house because it could confuse a special youngster.

Due to their excellent observational abilities, children with autism have a remarkable eye for detail. They are effective at picking up cues.

They are renowned for their integrity, fidelity, and dedication.

When you show them that you care about them, they can focus and stay focused on their assignment.

According to the World Health Organisation, in 2021, one in 160 children globally had autism, compared to an estimated one in 59 children in the United States.

There are no easily available statistics on children with autism in Ghana.

Akua Dedaa, the mother of a daughter with autism, claimed that in order to keep the child alive, she had to rebel against her husband. About autism, there are myths.

Since the majority of Ghanaians believe that autism is a curse from lesser gods, some parents take their kids to shrines and ask the fetish priests to appease the gods on their behalf with mashed plantains (3to) before leaving them there.

Some people also believe that people with autism are “river gods’’.

Some parents leave their kids on the riverbanks with the belief that they will transform into snakes and return to their original homes.

A few organisations in Ghana support kids with special needs; a few examples include the Dzorwulo Special School, the Autism Ambassadors of Ghana, and the Hope Setters Ambassadors of Ghana.

Fostering open conversations, raising awareness, and promoting understanding can help us create a more inclusive and empathetic world for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Moreover, it allows us to dismantle harmful stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding autism, replacing them with knowledge and compassion.

By breaking the silence on autism, we pave the way for a more inclusive future, where diversity is celebrated and every individual can lead a fulfilling life. Let us work together to build a world that embraces the differences of all its members, fostering an atmosphere of empathy, understanding, and acceptance for those on the autism spectrum and beyond.

By: Theodore Baidoo Boatemaa