To be held in Mexico…
GUYANA has secured representation at the World Conference on Autism to be held November in Mexico, as this country moves closer to raise awareness of the impediment. Autism researcher attached to the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Ms. Mira Howard, who will be a representative at the forum, said a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication contributed to the achievement.
She said a remarkable foundation had to be laid in order to make a relevant presentation at the upcoming conference.
“We only have 35 minutes to present our findings and we need to make it interesting as well as relevant,” Howard said, adding that, in that light, certain criteria had to be met to consolidate the work and progress.
She said the groundwork included enabling teachers to spot the red flags or first signs of autism in young pupils and take early steps to help them; empowering teachers with their own strategies that will enable their teaching of children with autism; introducing interventions that would assist the targeted and other special children to develop and learn; encouraging home and school liaisons to empower autistic children; encouraging care workers and classrooms to share teaching strategies and supporting the recently formed ‘Parents of Children With Autism’ group in Georgetown.
Howard also pointed to the necessity for more awareness locally as the country is moving forward at a rapid pace.
She said there are a few more objectives to be accomplished in the coming months but she remains hopeful that all will be before the conference.
Howard said it is her fervent hope that being represented in Mexico puts Guyana on the world map in highlighting autism.
Another delegate to Mexico is the National Coordinator of Special Education at NCERD, Ms. Karen Hall.