Couple determined to raise autism awareness
AUTISM IS one of the most common developmental problems faced by children worldwide. It is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder that features impaired social skills, limited language development and stereotyped or repetitive behaviour.
Persons with autism often display behaviour that is considered challenging for parents to manage. However, the Green Frog Gray Elephant Foundation is trying to raise autism awareness, especially for teens and young adults who are affected by the disorder, to gain widespread opportunities for independent living.
According to Martin and Michele Lewis, founders of the Green Frog Gray Elephant Foundation, over the years, there has been a significant input of provisions at the earlychildhood and primary levels, but there is minimal thought or focus on the older group of autistic students.
NO ACTIVITIES
The Lewis pair, who are parents to autistic children, became despondent when they began searching locally for support programmes and activities for their young adult children. The realisation hit home that there were no transitional or vocational activities offered locally that could benefit young adults and families affected by autism across Jamaica.
“It can be done in Jamaica because it is not that hard. However, we are trying to raise funds to get this area up and running. Our aim is to develop transitional programmes and to be able to place at least one autistic child in an organisation because, although they have a different set of abilities, they are very efficient at what they do,” Martin said.