National Council for Persons with Disabilities leads autism awareness campaign in Garissa

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) spearheaded a procession in Garissa Municipality on Wednesday to celebrate and raise awareness about Autism, marking the beginning of Autism Awareness Month across Kenya.

The two-day event, held in collaboration with stakeholders, aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Related Developmental Disabilities (RDD), as well as their families.

The NCPWD organized a series of events in Garissa as part of the awareness campaign. On Tuesday, a free event was held at the Garissa School for the Mentally Handicapped, providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about autism and related developmental disabilities.

“Additionally, caregivers and parents received training and psychosocial support at the Garissa County Referral Hospital on Wednesday,” NCPWD said in a statement.

The theme for this year's Autism Awareness Month is "Moving from Surviving to Thriving," emphasising the need to empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential.

Harun Maalim Hassan, Executive Director of the National Council for Persons With Disabilities, said prevalent stigmatization, labelling, and financial strains are experienced by affected individuals and their families nationwide.

"Many other families have faced the high costs associated with care and management of these conditions," he added. "Others remain hidden and denied a life of dignity."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one out of 59 children are born with Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, and Intellectual Disabilities.

However, despite the prevalence of these conditions, there remains a lack of proper understanding and recognition, leading to further stigmatization, discrimination, and isolation of affected individuals.

"The stigma that people with autism have faced has its roots in the nascent levels of awareness and understanding of autism in the country," Harun said.

"There are entrenched beliefs and misconceptions in many Kenyan communities," he added.

Garissa Women Representative Udgoon Siyad said individuals with developmental disabilities in Kenya will remain supported despite facing immense struggle among communities.

"The challenge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Developmental Disabilities in Kenya is complex, but it is not insurmountable," said Udgoon.

"There are high costs borne by persons with ASD and RDD and their families in managing the conditions. Others grapple with discrimination, stigma, stereotyping, and labelling."

During the commemoration, a series of activities were conducted aimed at providing support and raising awareness. They included free medical camps, disability assessments, education assessments, and free occupational therapy sessions.

The NCPWD reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals with autism and other developmental disorders in Kenya.

Down Syndrome, a common developmental disorder, manifests in several forms, with Trisomy 21 being the most prevalent. This genetic condition occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all cells, leading to characteristic features associated with Down Syndrome.

Other variations, such as Translocation Down Syndrome and Mosaicism, present unique challenges and require specialized care and support.

The lack of understanding and recognition of developmental disorders like Down Syndrome has contributed to stigma, discrimination, and isolation of affected individuals.