Experts call for early screening and intervention of Autism

As part of World Autism Awareness Day celebrations, an Occupational Therapist at Bright Steps International School, Sonia Hammond, has urged parents and guardians to get their children screened for autism at an early age, citing signs such as delayed speech, social difficulties, repetitive behavior, and sensory issues.

She emphasised that whiles Autism could not be completely cured, there were therapy options available to help manage symptoms when being examined earlier.

"Early intervention is crucial in managing autism symptoms effectively, once you notice these signs, take your child to the nearest centre for screening. It can make a significant difference in a child's ability to adapt to society" she said during a street campaign to raise awareness about autism.

Mr Hammond further encouraged parents to consider enrolling their children at Bright Steps International School, which provided inclusive education and support for students with autism.

The Chief Executive Officer and founder of the school, Grace Nkrumah, said the school was an inclusive institution that caterred for both neurotypical students and those on the autism spectrum.

She explained that autism was a neurological disorder that affectedcommunication, behaviour, and language processing, with symptoms varying from child to child.

She, therefore, underscored the importance of early recognition of warning signs by parents and caregivers.

Ms Nkrumah also called on the government to provide more support for children with autism, stating that although policies existed for other disabilities, autism awareness and assistance remained limited.

“Let's embrace these special children.

For children with autism, I am not aware that there is something.

If there is, please, let the government make more noise about it because we are not aware of this” she said.

Embrace Autistic Children

The Head of Language Team at Bright Steps International, Firdaus Koney, emphasised the need for patience and creativity, when teaching children with autism.

“You need a lot of patience to get a child to pay attention to whatever you are doing.

They are not the typical children where you sit them down and you tell them five plus four is equal to nine.

No, you have to find interesting ways of deducing whatever you are teaching for them to get it” she said.

She urged the public to embrace autistic children with an open mind, recognising their unique abilities rather than focusing on their condition.

“One advice I'll give to parents is that it is not the end of the world.

They are very special and they can do a lot of things.

They have potential but they need support, constant support to be able to live up to their full potential.

“One last advice is that I would say parents should first accept their children and then love them wholeheartedly and they shouldn't be shy and keep them indoors just because they are special.

Let the world see them because they are humans and then they have a lot to offer the world.

Aside that, parents should teach their children the basic things of life” she said.

Background

Bright Steps International School (BSI) is an inclusive educational institution committed to providing a supportive learning environment for both children with autism and their neurotypical peers.

The school offers a structured academic curriculum tailored to each student's abilities, fostering an atmosphere where every child can thrive.