Limited awareness on Autism could be deadly – Expert

Director of the Neurology and Development clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ebenezer Badoe has bemoaned what he says is the limited education and awareness on the autism disorder in the country.

According to him, the number of autistic children in the country is increasing at an alarming rate and if not curbed could cause grave havoc.

Dr. Badoe was speaking at a three-day workshop on autism organized by the Haven International Centre for Special Education in Accra to train teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, parents and caregivers on how to manage the disorder.

Autism is a neurological disorder which affects some children and leaves them unable to form normal social relationships develop normal communication skills and be absorbed in a world of repetitive activities and interests.

This disorder is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

Dr. Badoe revealed that everyday, a child is diagnosed of the disorder- a situation he says needs an urgent national attention.

He said the issue is compounded by the fact that there is no known cause and cure for autism, therefore an intensive awareness on how to handle the disorder should be encouraged nationwide.

The Autism Expert noted that every child is vulnerable and stressed steps must be taken to ensure that when contracted, the patients could receive the right treatment.

Dr. Badoe called for an intensive training and educational services to children with autism in order to help them function more effectively in society.

Haven International, organizers of the workshop, seek to create a self-sustaining special education center in Ghana, and ultimately in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, where developmental disabilities including Autism are diagnosed and treated.

Their mission is to collaborate with local Ghana resources to promote awareness of autism and developmental disorders.