Let’s make a difference in the lives of autistic children
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by challenges with social communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of disability that can occur.
In Ghana, the prevalence of ASD is estimated to be around one in 87 children under the age of three.
According to a study on ResearchGate, this figure, however, is based on limited data and studies, and may not accurately represent the full scope of the issue.
Other studies also suggest the following: ASD affects 38.7 per cent of children under 14 in Ghana, significantly higher than the global prevalence of 6.2 per cent.
Some challenges with ASD are that many children are diagnosed late, often due to inadequate healthcare facilities and trained personnel, poor awareness about ASD, and cultural beliefs.
Also, ASD is often attributed to supernatural causes, leading to delayed medical attention and increased severity of symptoms.
There are also a few specialised centres and trained professionals available to support individuals with ASD and their families.
Therefore, the Ghana Health Service's (GHS) efforts to step up autism support and finalise a community-based plan are commendable (See Daily Graphic, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, page 26).
At a workshop on "Empowering Voices for Autism" initiative by the GTBank, the Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the service was actively training frontline health workers — including community health nurses and midwives — to identify early signs of ASD, provide immediate support, and facilitate timely referrals for diagnosis and care.
The Daily Graphic believes that this complex neurodevelopmental disorder requires a comprehensive approach to support affected individuals and their families.
By prioritising community-based initiatives, the GHS can ensure that individuals with autism receive timely interventions and support. Providing community health workers with training on autism awareness, diagnosis, and support can help bridge the gap in healthcare services.
Furthermore, the GHS needs to take advantage of the community-based health planning and services facility (CHPS) to improve access to health care for individuals with autism, particularly in rural areas.
The role of public education and awareness cannot be overemphasised in this initiative.
Raising public awareness of autism can help reduce stigma and foster understanding and acceptance.
Engaging with stakeholders, including parents, caregivers and civil society organisations, is also crucial for developing effective autism support services.
Studies have shown that caring for children with ASD is a challenging and daunting task.
Therefore, a GHS community-based plan has the potential to facilitate early intervention and support for individuals with autism, improving their outcomes and quality of life.
People in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited would be reached, and it could also help reduce stigma around autism by promoting understanding and acceptance.
We urge the government to address the challenges facing the healthcare system in the country, such as limited resources and infrastructure, since they will be crucial to implementing effective autism support services.
The paper commends the GTBank for its "Empowering Voices for Autism" to create awareness of the disorder and empower stakeholders, especially parents and caregivers of children living with autism. As the Board Chairperson of GTBank, Irene Baaba Hagan, said: “While awareness is vital, it is no longer enough.
We must transform understanding into concrete interventions: inclusive education, accessible health care and supportive communities, where every child can be themselves, be accepted, and be guided to become a meaningful part of our society.”
A study on the “Experiences of Single Mothers Caring for Their Autistic Children in Ghana” identified stigmatisation and rejection, financial strains and stagnation of social life as predisposing challenges experienced by single mothers of autistic children.
The Daily Graphic supports the recommendation of the study for state interventions, including enrolling poor mothers with autistic children into state programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP).
Let everyone who matters contribute their quota to address the challenge of children living with autism by promoting awareness and acceptance in families and communities while providing early diagnosis, tailored support, inclusive education and access to therapies.
