Changing perceptions and highlighting the abilities of children with autism

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Extract from the article: World Autism Awareness Day is commemorated on 2 April every year. To mark the event in Togo, the Togolese Association for the Education and Integration of People with Intellectual Disabilities (ATEIPDI), in collaboration with the « Lumière » centre,

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World Autism Awareness Day is commemorated on 2 April every year. To mark the event in Togo, the Togolese Association for the Education and Integration of People with Intellectual Disabilities (ATEIPDI), in collaboration with the « Lumière » centre, organised on Sunday 2 April 2023 on the grounds of the Lycée Moderne 2 in Adidogomé, an awareness session on the theme: « Changing perceptions and highlighting the capabilities of autistic children ». The objective of this activity is to raise awareness about autism, provide information about the signs of autism, and provide emotional and practical support to families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

« This year's theme is particularly important as it aims to change the way people perceive autism and people with autism. We want to change the way people look at autism and we want families to get involved in changing the way people look at autism. It is true that some families are ashamed and keep their children at home. But this is not the solution. You have to get over the shame and the looks and say to yourself that you have a child who has difficulties and who needs to be accompanied. We must encourage parents to lift the veil on the mystery that surrounds autistic children. So autism is not a fatality », said Dr Koffi Yaboue, President of ATEIPDI.

Autism is a neurological disorder whose real causes are not yet known. « Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can occur between the ages of 1 and 2 and affects different areas of a child's development such as language, sociability, motor and sensory development. The causes are environmental and genetic. This disorder is lifelong and there is currently no specific medication for autism, but adapted care allows children to live better with autism. For the development of these children, they must be referred to the appropriate structures », said Dr Bêkeyi Agathe Sogoyou, an expert in the accompaniment of pupils with learning difficulties/intellectual disabilities and/or ASD.

People with autism perceive the world in a very particular way. It is crucial to recognise that people with autism have unique talents and abilities that can be developed with appropriate support and encouragement.

William O.