TalkLove Africa Foundation gives hope to those living with Autism

In advancement of the wellbeing of children living with autism and other disabilities, TalkLove Africa Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Houston Clear Lake, and the Centre for Developmental Disability, Texas, recently organised a free autism and applied behaviour analysis training in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The training recorded a headcount of over 80 participants among whom were lecturers, doctors, therapists and caregivers, amongst others.

Speaking about the training, convener of the programme and founder of TalkLove Africa Foundation, Cynthia Obinwanne, said that the non-governmental organisation is committed to the total wellbeing of the underprivileged in the society.

She stated that the core focus of the foundation is on the first five sustainable development goals, namely no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality.

She further reiterated that everyone, including those present at the training, has a huge role to play in making life easier for autistic patients, seeing as times have changed and no more will those living with autism be locked up in rooms.

“It is time for us all to stand together as one to make the lives of people living with autism a meaningful one by supporting them towards achieving their dreams. There is ability in every disability” she said.

Loukia Tsami, a representative of the University of Houston and Centre for Autism & Developmental Disability, took the training but not before inspirational and motivational videos and charts were shared with the audience to show them possible heights that autistic children can attain with the right kind of support.

One of such videos was that of a blind autistic boy who scaled all the hurdles of life to achieve his dreams. And this was of course with the help of the mother who never gave up on him but was determined to bring out the best in her son.

Participants left the training filled with new knowledge and armed with a participatory certificate from the University of Houston and Centre for Autism and Developmental Disability.