Editorial
Let’s make life meaningful for people with Autism
It may be intolerable to deal with some conditions, but when those who are experiencing them receive the necessary assistance, life becomes more meaningful.
Autism is one such case, which has recently received some exposure. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), another name for autism, is a complicated developmental illness that impacts a person’s ability to interact, communicate, learn, and behave.
Instead of feeling normal, many people with autism frequently feel odd, as if they do not belong. They often experience emotions of loneliness as a result of social cues, sensory overload, or everyday tasks that others take for granted.
In the past, individuals with autism were frequently mistreated, marginalised, and exposed to damaging therapies. Some were often misdiagnosed, institutionalised, and cut off from society, and parent, especially mothers, were held accountable for their children’s illness.
Fortunately, parents are no longer held accountable because of increased awareness. Nevertheless, many people still have misconceptions about autism, so it is necessary to educate the public to accept it.
This year’s World Autism Day commemoration, which was held in Accra under the theme “Embracing Differences, Empowering Every Ability,” called for raising awareness for increased support for individuals with autism and their families.
It is true that children with autism may behave differently from other people, but the public can contribute to creating a more compassionate and understanding environment for them by promoting inclusion in educational institutions and community events, respecting their dignity, and acknowledging that autistic people have distinctive ways of interacting and communicating.
It is important to be understanding and patient with autistic children and their families, particularly when a youngster is feeling overwhelmed or going through a trying time.
To maximise the potential of autistic children for positive outcomes, schools must also establish an effective learning environment.
Children should be encouraged to play with or participate in activities with classmates who have autism without being forced to do so in order to promote social inclusion.
Practical assistance, such as company or errand running, should be provided to families with children with autism.
Let’s shift our perspectives so that every child with autism has the chance to lead a more satisfying life.
Yesterday was the International Day of Families (IDF), a global celebration of families and their significance that aims to increase awareness of social and economic challenges.
Every year on May 15, the United Nations observes IDF, a day that emphasises the value of families in social development and advocates for family-friendly legislation.
The UN General Assembly created the Day in 1993 to bring attention to economic, demographic, and social issues that impact families, such as urbanization, digital transformation, and climate change.
Because of this, the government, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) utilise this day to advocate for family-oriented policies like childcare and financial assistance to strengthen communities and advance health and education.
Children must live in a positive home setting that offers affection, love, care, support, pleasant relationships, discipline, and fairness since they are vulnerable and require assistance in a variety of ways.
In support of this year’s theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” The Spectator thinks that providing this supportive atmosphere for children will help advance their wellbeing.
In the meantime, today, May 16, is the “International Day of Living Together in Peace,” which aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in variety and differences, in order to create a sustainable world of harmony, solidarity, and peace.
This year’s theme, “Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation,” is appropriate since the day serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to promote compassion, understanding, and connection despite differences.
“Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognise, respect, and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way,” according to UNESCO.
In order for peace to prevail, individuals must choose to listen to and uphold the dignity of those whose experiences, opinions, and histories may differ from their own. We must recognize that coexisting peacefully is a practical endeavour rather than an abstract one. And in order for peace to prevail, individuals must decide to pay attention and uphold the dignity of those whose backgrounds, experiences, and opinions may differ from their own.
Respecting people’s opinions is important because it fosters trust and improves relationships. After a quarrel, most people find it hard to make amends, but The Spectator encourages people to talk, which is one approach to mend broken relationships. Tensions are reduced and the circumstances for peace are established through dialogue.
Each of us has a part to play in creating peaceful environments therefore as the theme draws attention to the daily work of peace in diplomacy, in institutions, families, schools, workplaces, communities, places of worship, and public life, let us uphold peace in high regard.
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the uncertainty facing many National Service personnel after completing their mandatory service.
Every year thousands of young graduates are posted to various institutions across the country where they contribute significantly to productivity and service delivery.
Unfortunately, after their service period, many are left unemployed despite demonstrating competence, dedication, and commitment to duty.
In many offices, National Service personnel perform the same responsibilities as permanent staff and in some cases help reduce workload pressures.
It is therefore discouraging that after gaining practical experience and contributing to national development, they are often asked to leave without any opportunity for permanent employment.
This situation has contributed to rising unemployment and frustration among the youth.
I would like to appeal to the government, public institutions, and private organisations to consider retaining hardworking National Service personnel whenever vacancies arise.
Creating a clear pathway for permanent employment after service would motivate young graduates to give off their best and also help reduce graduate unemployment in the country.
Eugene Ampiaw
Mamprobi-Camara.
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