World Autism Day
The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
April is a month where different organizations seek to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The intention is to raise awareness about the inequality, challenges, and issues of the autistic community. People with a diagnosis of autism still lack the support, acceptance, fundamental rights, and opportunities they deserve.
There are two key things to guarantee a better future for people with autism:
First, an early diagnosis. Secondly, a team of specialists who bet and believe in the future and the child’s development. For families, it is key to have the appropriate information and support to give their kids the tools they need. It is also imperative to have a supportive government that creates an inclusive and diverse educational system and programs. Private companies have the responsibility of creating inclusive workplaces. By first adopting new recruitment policies and procedures. And also by training their teams on topics such as tolerance, diversity, empathy, and, of course, neurodiversity.
One of the things that differentiate EIBS from other institutions is that we understand that a child with autism needs a specialist to help them identify and develop their abilities. Still, more than that, they need a person who believes in them. We need to know that these kids can learn, develop and grow to have an autonomous and independent life. It is necessary to stop talking about disabilities and understand that neurodiversity is a reality. Furthermore, we need to review the educational system and offer a healthy and challenging environment to these children and young people where they can develop mentally and socially.
April is a month to raise awareness and accept that neurodiversity is not a disability but an opportunity to nourish ourselves with different ways of learning, thinking, and solving problems. That is why providing an education focused on the child’s academic and behavioral development is only the beginning. For these young people’s lives to gain sense and purpose, it is necessary that once they finish high school, they can count on institutions that believe in them, train them, and put their skills at the service of the community.
