FIRST Lady Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar is of the opinion that because of its complexity, focussing attention on autism is not only important, but also critical, in that it allows for early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. The following is the full text of her message to mark the occasion:“Today, April 2, 2015, the World is observing the Eighth Annual Autism Awareness Day. Promoting awareness of this complex and often misunderstood disorder is very important. Persons living with autism are forced to cope with the negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, blatant discrimination. “Many times these treatments are as a result of obliviousness and wrong perception of the behaviours of autistic people. It is for these reasons that public attention is necessary to address the lack of awareness and accompanying stigma.

EARLY DETECTION
“Spreading awareness also allows for early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. And research has shown that early detection and interventions can help persons with autistic conditions realize their full potential.
“Autism is a spectrum of disorders that ranges from mild to severe. It is a mental condition that can be detected from early childhood, usually during the first three years of life. “Signs of autism can be identified by children’s inability to communicate, poor social skills and/or repetitive behaviour. Autistic children tend to have difficulties in making eye contact and in engaging people. They have no physical incapacitation, they frequently look ‘normal’ and so it is common for their challenges to be misunderstood.
“While detection occurs during the primitive years, autism persists throughout a person’s life. Therefore, our work with and for people with autism should not only be limited to early identification and treatment but should also include therapies, educational plans and other steps that lead towards sustained lifelong engagements.
“This year, the United Nations is observing autism awareness under the theme, Employment: The Autism Advantage. According to Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki- Moon, the unemployment rate of adults with autism is above 80%. The Secretary General noted that one way to reduce that unemployment rate would be to invest in appropriate vocational training that would allow autistic persons to apply their special skills and realize their full potential.
“In Guyana, we are happy to note that significant efforts have been made to invest in vocational education. Over the years we have seen the establishment of vocational educational training centres across the country. These include Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Linden, Anna Regina, Leonora, Mahaicony and Georgetown.
“Today, the world is observing World Autism Awareness Day. We have to support persons with autism, we have to support their families, their teachers, and their schools. Let us create a chorus of voices calling for greater support, greater resources and greater understanding for the brave people who face the challenge of autism!
“We can do even more by challenging the prejudices within ourselves. Let us removed the scourge of discrimination against persons with disabilities. Together with our advocacy we can create a caring and nurturing society that is fair and dignified to all people!”