One in every 68 children autistic – Education Ministry

Apr 25, 2018 News

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–as moves are implemented to improve special education

Autism can present a major challenge to the delivery of education in any education system if it is not recognised and appropriately dealt with at an early stage. The Ministry of Education has not been exempted from dealing with this condition.

According to information released by the Education Ministry, about one in every 68 children is autistic in Guyana. To put this into perspective, the local public education system is one that caters to several thousands of the nation’s children.
Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. Essentially, ASD is a medical diagnosis that describes significant social, communicative and behavioural challenges which appear in early childhood that usually start to manifest even before children are three years old.
According to expert reports [www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics], it usually presents as a complex neuro-behavioural condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviours.
Those inflicted with autism handle information in their brain differently from typical developing peers.
This state of affairs was amplified yesterday when Region Three [Essequibo Islands-West Demerara] held an Awareness forum in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month which is observed annually in April. The forum, which was one of many held by education districts across the country, was designed to amplify that autism exists
In fact, it was underscored by Education Officer with responsibility for Special Education Needs in Region Three, Ms. Akeshia Benjamin, that, for too long, autism has been on the backburner.
She, moreover, pointed out that autism awareness is very important. It helps people to become aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the condition and enlighten them on how to better understand such persons with a view of preventing stigma and discrimination.
“It is a category of disability. However, while it has been on the back-burner for quite some time, efforts are in train to make it a front-burner issue as autistic children are also important and should not be seen as less than any child. This is because children with special needs also deserve a chance to realise their true and full potential through the education sector,” Benjamin said.
Region Three Education Officer, Ms Anesta Douglas, in delivering remarks at the awareness forum said, “I encourage all persons to embrace persons with autism so that they can realise their full potential and destiny.”
Ms. Audrey Rodrigues, who represented the Guyana and Suriname United Nations International Children’s Fund [UNICEF] office, said that her organisation, which advocates for children’s rights, will continue to embrace the notion that education access is for all children.
“Every child is a child no matter what and we are making sure that every child has and continues to be catered for through empowering of women and girls with autism everywhere,” said Rodrigues.
Citing a monologue that offered information about the progressive symptoms of Autism she said, “There are many types of Autism and should we find ourselves in the presence of an autistic person …I submit that we must rethink how we treat with them and be less judgmental…Stop diagnosing by yourselves and seek the much needed professionals to assist,” Rodrigues added.
She, moreover, encouraged the need for education to remove the poverty of loneliness and disrespect and other factors even as moves are made to empower women to advance humanity. “Women need to look for the early signs to treat with the disorder so that we can practice inclusiveness and have facilities for access for Education. If we can have nursery school teachers more involved …empowerment and support is necessary. Educating everyone could be a deterrent to stigma related to autism and we must not let awareness be only for today but for always,” insisted the UNICEF spokesperson.
Also delivering a presentation at the forum was, Education Officer, Mr. Keon Cheong, who spoke on issues related to autism including the constraints associated with dealing and caring for autistic children.
The autism awareness forum represented a collaborative effort between the Special Education Needs Unit [SEN] and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development [NCERD] and the Region Department of Education.
In addition to the awareness forum, other activities planned for the region include: Parent/ Teachers Association awareness and staff development sessions and brochures and related flyers will also be distributed to the public.
Currently, the Education Ministry, through each education district, has officers engaged in a process of assessing and identifying children with all forms of disability including autism.
Following the assessment, it is expected that they will not only be able to identify but fashion programmes to support those with special needs.

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