Last week, while waiting for my bus to get packed at the motor park, an unexpected reunion happened. I met a childhood friend, the very same one who used to spark fiery debates with me in high school, whether it was about academics, Bible verses, or politics. Our conversations back then were a rollercoaster, sometimes heated and childish.
This time, our chit-chat took a fresh turn. Among our usual banters, we found ourselves praising the Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commendation of a remarkable young talent: Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke. At just 15, this autistic artist set a Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas by an individual. Amazing, right? But then, the chat drifted into some knotty waters when my friend brought up Donald J. Trump’s claim about the link between childhood vaccines, paracetamol, and autism. The conversation soon revealed a surprising truth that many people, possibly even the well-read, don't understand autism. In this part of the world, the reason could perhaps be due to low awareness creation. This realization nudged me to dive deeper and share what I learned in a simple, relatable way. So buckle up as we embark on this boat of knowledge to sail toward the safe harbor of information!
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. Think of it as a uniquely wired brain with its own operating system. Globally, about 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism. Africa, including Nigeria, is just starting to shine a spotlight on autism, but without extensive data, the true prevalence is underreported. Many families face challenges getting proper diagnoses due to a lack of awareness and resources.
Aren’t you curious about the causes and triggers?
Scientific research tells us autism is influenced by a mix of genetics and environment, not one simple cause. Factors like genetic differences, prenatal conditions, and exposure to toxins during pregnancy play bigger roles.
Symptoms and Manifestations
Autism manifestations range from mild to severe, often defined as levels 1, 2, and 3:
level 1 (Requires some support), level 2 (Requires substantial support) and level 3 (Requires very substantial support). Some common signs to look out for include:
- Difficulties with social interactions, such as trouble making eye contact or reading social cues
- Challenges with communication, including delayed speech or difficulty expressing needs
- Repetitive behaviors or strict adherence to routines, like rocking, hand-flapping, or insistence on sameness
- Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures
- Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions, both their own and others’
Even in the midst of these challenges, autistic individuals also bring amazing strengths to the table. Creativity, attention to detail, and intense focus are their superpowers, just like Tagbo’s breathtaking record-breaking painting.
Is there a Cure, and can it be managed?
As of today, the information available shows that there’s no cure for autism. The mindset shift here is that autism isn’t something broken that needs fixing. Instead, management focuses on therapies that help individuals thrive, such as speech and occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and educational support. Early intervention is a game-changer.
The Need for Societal Support
Support doesn’t stop at therapy. Society must create an inclusive environment that celebrates neurodiversity. Accolades must be given to bodies such as The Autism Society (USA), The National Autistic Society (UK), AsIAm (Ireland), The Zeebah Foundation, Dan Marino Foundation, among others, for providing grants and funding for autism programs. Their roles are essential in shaping public understanding and support.
This is for the Nigerian Government, commendations are a start since you didn’t roll out bags of rice to celebrate this time around😅😅. The applause for achievements like Tagbo's is inspirational. Still, I vehemently believe that Nigeria must go further beyond mere commendation, establishing policies and funding not just autism research but broader health issues unique to Nigeria. These investments pave the road for lasting impact.
Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, the renowned neuroscientist, inspired me with his piece that I read recently. It says- "We must become active contributors to policy development and national development. To do that, research must be treated as a strategic investment, not an afterthought. Hence, Nigeria must rise to tackle prevalent health challenges through research that influences policymaking."
My Parting shot is that autism isn’t a mystery anymore. It’s a spectrum of human experience, filled with challenges and incredible talents. Understanding it helps us build a kinder, more supportive society, one where every Tagbo and every individual can shine bright.
Feel free to share your thoughts or stories about autism. let’s keep this important conversation alive. Till next I see you, bye-bye.
#Autism Spectrum Disorder, #autism in Nigeria, #autistic strengths, #autism awareness, #neurodiversity, #Bola Ahmed Tinubu, #Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, #autism research Nigeria
0 comments:
Post a Comment