This year’s Autism Awareness Month, which, like the previous observances before now, is meant to draw global attention to the plight of people identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, could also be an opportunity to spare a thought for millions of others with one form of disability or the other. It is even more so here in Nigeria, where very little efforts from the government are ever made in this direction. In particular, this period should help to change the societal attitude towards these people, from that of pity to that of support. This would enable them to unleash the full potential locked inside them so that they can become more useful to the society and lead their lives to the fullest.
Autism, defined by the World Health Organisation as “a group of complex brain development disorders…characterised by difficulties in social interaction and communication, and a restricted and repetitive repertoire of interests and activities,” is becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of people across the world. According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 68 children has been identified with the condition, which, for now, has no cure. Compared to WHO’s prevalent rate of one child in 160, the CDC figure is quite high; but the differentials are merely a reflection of the absence of a universally acceptable rate.
Some of the symptoms, which may vary from one individual to the other, obviously depending on the degree of severity, include “delay in development or temporary regression in language and social skills and repetitive stereotyped patterns of behaviour.” Children with autism sometimes find it difficult to understand simple signs or facial expressions such as smiles, grimace, and frowning. Due to delayed speech development, they could also find it difficult stringing words together to produce meaningful speech, while at times, their body language or physical expressions fail to synchronise with what they say. It is also not uncommon to see them keeping to themselves.
Usually, parents are expected to be observant enough to notice these signs early in a child’s life so that they could provide the necessary interventions that would help in improving their quality of life as they grow up. Typically, it can be very challenging raising an autistic child, especially in terms of sending them to school and supporting them medically. While medical care is not meant to cure the condition, it certainly goes a long way in improving the quality of life of those affected by the ASD. This is where the government comes in.
In other parts of the world, government intervention could come in the form of medical funding or in putting in place adequate legislation that would protect the rights of people with any form of disability. For instance, in the United States, there is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which protects the rights of everyone with disabilities and ensures that such a person receives free and appropriate education regardless of the person’s state of disability. Under this Act, education is of individualised nature to meet the unique needs of each person with disability.
Similarly, in Australia, funds are provided by the government to support families and parents of those affected by the ASD, especially those from disadvantaged background or in remote rural communities. Depending on the level of severity of the disorder, authorities in Ontario, Canada, ensure that an ASD person is attached to an autism service provider, which is funded by the province’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
This is however not the case in Nigeria, where the rights of people with disabilities are hardly under any form of legal protection. Since the advent of the current democratic rule in the country, there have been several efforts made to provide a law that will protect the interests of people living with disabilities. Even when such laws are eventually passed, especially at the national level, the necessary presidential assent is never forthcoming.
While in other parts of the world, infrastructural facilities are provided with the interest of people with disability in mind, it is never the case in Nigeria. Public buildings and transport facilities have no special provision such as lift and ramp, to facilitate movement and accessibility. Even in Lagos State, where the Lagos State Special People’s Law was enacted in June 2011, not much has changed. People with disabilities still face the same challenges. Recently, David Anyaele, the President of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, had to address a press conference to complain about the plight of the physically challenged in the country during the last elections. According to him, some of them were disenfranchised because they could not readily access polling stations.
Unfortunately, while other societies are getting the best out of people with disabilities, Nigeria is missing out because such people are not given a thought in the day-to-day living. For instance, researchers from Cambridge and Oxford universities in the United Kingdom have come out with evidence that great scientists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome, a milder form of autism. If they had been abandoned to their fate, perhaps, the world might have been missing out on the Theory of Relativity and the Law of Gravity, which owe their discovery to the scientific feats of the duo. Also, Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, belongs to this special breed of humans.
Generally, autistic people are believed to be imbued with special talents that many of the so-called normal humans lack. For instance, they are said to have talents for pattern recognition and attention to details. They are also said to be very honest people. These are qualities that can add value to any society where they are integrated into.
Nigeria can also tap into these special talents by supporting this special breed of people who have so much to bring to the table, if handled appropriately. This support should start by instituting the legal framework to guarantee them their rights. They should also be shown love and care. These are the least that they deserve as members of our society.
