Dear Editor,
ChildLinK Guyana, under its One Life Too initiative, has been contributing toward raising awareness about children living with mild autism. Autism is a relatively unknown and under-discussed topic in Guyana. This has contributed to the maintenance of many harmful beliefs surrounding those living with the disorder. Amongst some of the most popular myths that surround autism are beliefs such as: children are possessed, their parents are being punished, or that autism is contagious. These beliefs stem from a lack of awareness of what autism is and what it can look like.
Autism spectrum is a developmental disorder of varying degrees that can result in challenges related to social skills, severely impacting their communication and behaviour. It also manifests through repetitive behaviours that the child can often use as calming behaviours. Children can be very sensitive to different sounds and textures, and if overstimulated, can often have an episode that can see them losing control of themselves for long periods. Understanding more about autism and how it manifests can better enable us to provide the type of support that is needed for those who are on the spectrum.
Throughout 2022, ChildLinK has continued its work of collaborating with educators in the private and public sectors, completing training sessions focused on strategies for dealing with learners with autism, identifying disabilities in children, and supporting parents through the diagnostic process for children with autism. This training was conducted by a Jamaican expert working with children living with autism and their families. It was collaboratively done between the Special Education Needs Unit – Ministry of Education and ChildLinK Guyana. Six parents of children with mild autism were also incorporated into these training sessions, to better equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support other parents of children with mild autism.
These training sessions were facilitated by SEN Officers from Regions 3, 4, 6 and 7. Community awareness tours on autism were also completed in the Diamond/ Grove area where One Life Too brochures were distributed in addition to the “Ten ways to educate with love,” brochures. School visits at the Sophia Primary school were also conducted to encourage enhanced awareness of how academic progress can be impacted for children who are on the autism spectrum.
Ensuring that more teachers and parents have access to information on autism, and strategies for managing it, can go a long way in reducing the harm and stigma that children on the spectrum can often face. It is important for wider society to also take an interest in learning more about autism, as this lack of awareness continues to contribute towards negative perceptions and behaviours towards those living with the condition, which further impacts their life experiences.
Sincerely,
Akola Thompson
Communication Consultant,
ChildLinK
