Centre wants governmnt to support autistic children, build more centres

Patrick Speech and Language Centre, wants the Federal Government to show more interest in children living with autism, by building centres that can effectively take care of their developmental needs.

The centre has been supporting children and adults living with autism since 2006, and has in the past 10 years, given full scholarship to 31 children and adults, while also partly supporting 29 children and adults living with ailment.

In addition to this, it has also continued to educate the public and families on the signs of autism and the importance of early intervention.

Speaking at an event tagged, “Talent in Autism Show 8,” founder of the centre, Mrs. Dotun Akande, said: “Autism is a developmental disorder that affects children. Affected children sometimes have challenges in social skills. Sometimes they are hyperactive or have challenges in narrating events. It is still a stigma in Nigeria and because it is so misunderstood, some children end up in psychiatric hospitals.

“Also, because some parents don’t know what it is, they go to churches as their first port of call. Since we have started the programme, we have seen a lot of enlightenment,” she added.

However, “I don’t think government is doing enough to support autistic children. I really believe that there is still room for a lot of things to be done. Government can support families and also build autism centres, as well as, sponsor children living with autism to centres that can effectively take care of them. We are available to partner with them on technical know how.