Autism In Eritrea - Up From Handicap
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| Infant receiving medication in an Asmara clinic |
Autism In Eritrea - Up From Handicap
By Haile Bokure,
Autism spectrum is the fastest growing developmental disability the world over. Few years ago, there was one autistic for every 20,000 live births, but today one for every 150. This type of neurological disability is prevalent among boys. They are very handsome, and look normal at first encounter. Perceptually, they are visually-oriented and could see and identify even a tiny object in detail. This is because their brain faculty is modulated in that order just to compensate their deficit as manifested in verbal expression. However, due to the advance of educational and assistive technology their ability to express their needs is improving gradually.
Autism is the latest type of handicap to be identified in Eritrea. This has to do not only with global awareness, but with the progress of health delivery and increment of medical personnel who are open to share their knowledge and expertise with Eritrean public.
Lack of diagnosis, the autistic were and still are merely seen as dumb or mentally retarded. Due to wide spectrum of autism, each is different who needs a specialized treatment in all areas of life. Some are highly functional who need a minor intervention while others are severely affected who require a holistic approach in an effort to develop life skills. As described, some have an artistic bent due to their photographic memory attributed to their highly visual perception; others are good in music by virtue of their above average acoustic sensitivity. They can tell you the result of complex mathematical problem not by figuring out, but by recalling the exact solution. Just like twelve times twelve that everyone can tell without calculation. Few are deaf with whom I used to work at educational setting. They can improve their expressive skills by learning sign language one-on-one bases. That is by developing individualized educational program (IEP) in an effort to meet the special needs of each student.
Autism was discovered in the fifties based on behavioral manifestation such as withdrawal which is more pronounced. However, the exact causes of this complex handicap have not been identified in medical field. It is indiscriminate type of handicap regardless of race or economic status. But according to repeated observation, the parents of autistic children seem to be highly educated or naturally intelligent as long as the genetic aspects of its syndrome are concerned. According to Dr. Temple who is mildly autistic herself, some of the greatest American scientists such as Albert Einstein and Bill Gate are believed to have had some mild autism due to their attraction to electromagnetic light that revolutionized the light theory and computer technology. As most Autistic do, Albert used to think in light or picture, and as such, his theory is based in that order. That is why his formula is still incomprehensible to thinking scientists who are well adapted to abstract reasoning.
The treatment of autistic children is costly, and it demands a highly trained personnel and educational resources in an effort to help them grow intellectually, socially, emotionally as contributing members of our society in the making. I hope that parental intervention in Eritrea coupled with public and societal support would alleviate the problems of acoustic children to some degree. The recent meeting of founding members in Eritrea is a case in point. They can act as spokesmen and spokeswomen of their speechless children. Our autistic children are not alone as long as they have a thoughtful parents who love them for who they are. Up from handicap.
Autism In Eritrea - Up From Handicap
Reviewed by Admin
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Reviewed by Admin
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Great Article! It is said early intervention is the key for helping children with autism. I hope parents look for the signs and help their children as early as possible than try to wait it out and isolate the children in fear.
ReplyDeleteVery good article! Hope we all learn from this and participate in some kind fund raising to empower our doctors, experts and students in that field.
ReplyDeleteStrong Force,,,,more like the weak force....
ReplyDeleteThe writer of the article is in the medical field and not an Engineer or a scientist. So, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive them for making a mistake. I hope the universe won't freeze and stop expanding over their gaffe. However, if you want us to clap for you and tell you good boy for pointing out the obvious; then, just say so.
Dont focus on the little stuff. Look at the big picture and the message being sent. Yes, Bill Gates is not a scientist; however, he is an innovator. The moral of the story is that children on the autism spectrum (on the higher functioning end) tend to be those with the extraordinary ability to see things most neurotypicals can't grasp. And if we as parents, educators, and citizens at large intervene help them overcome their obstacles we can all benefit from their ability to innovate solve problems.
By the way, both Newton and Einstein were suspected of having Autisim....it is only suspected because the word or diagnosis didn't exist at the time. However, based on the symptoms they displayed it is believed that they had it.
I like how you tried to throw what every high school student with physical science or AP Physics knows and tried to look smart though!
Nay muhur denqoro LOL
ReplyDeleteB. Adal, my favorite arrogant and ignorant individual after Halhal aka Hilal aka Truth aka Amanuel Bidemariam; have I got deep down to your blood veins for you to say rubbish but not discount my actual comment?
ReplyDelete"...Yes, Bill Gates is not a scientist; however, he is an innovator..." Then go and tell the stupid author this correction. You don't have to tell me coz I already know it. Unless you are another zombie, this must be not that of s big deal for you.
ReplyDelete"....By the way, both Newton and Einstein were suspected of having Autisim....it is only suspected because the word or diagnosis didn't exist at the time...." Prove it with evidence you retard!
ReplyDeleteI had a work-mate in italy with autism disability, and i can witness that this gay is a real active person in his work, diligent, and puntual. What i learn about this thing is that when ever the family in first hand and as whole the society takes responsibility on the issue, the out-put can be successful..And luckily in Eritrean society still there is a huge traditional rich culture in approaching matters in a collaborative proper way.
ReplyDeleteThere is a problem in Italy, at school teacher are not trained to identify children with Autism. So it's too late when they do understand about autism of child.
ReplyDeleteTeaching people about Autism and how to care and identifying the person who has it is the cure it self.
ReplyDeleteRight, when i say in Italy i wasn't meaning the all public system which in Italy unfortunately is not uniform. For instance there are some unorganized regions from the south due to maphia, by the other hand there are in the north like Bologna, regions that could be compared to Germany or the Scandinavians in general performance.
ReplyDelete