‘Make more efforts’ to support autistic people
MORE needs to be done to improve the lives of people with autism in the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar said this week.
Issuing a statement to mark April 2 World Autism Awareness Day, Tatar said: “We, as every member of society, must make more efforts to understand and support the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.”
Stating that autism is a condition that affects not only individuals but also families and society, Tatar continued: “On this special day, we appreciate the unique talents and contributions of individuals with autism and promise to continue working to ensure that they receive the respect and acceptance they deserve in our society.
“I believe that everyone should embrace differences and provide the necessary support for individuals with autism to make the most of their potential.
“We should not forget that we are all different and these differences make our society richer.
“Hearing and respecting the voices of people with autism is fundamental for creating a more just and inclusive society.”
In December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism, according to the UN’s website.
It states that autism is a “lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status”.
The UN explains: “The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.
“Autism is mainly characterised by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.
“The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.
“The stigmatisation and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.”