April is Autism Awareness Month

JAMAICA JOINS the international community in recognising April as World Autism Awareness Month, while April 2 is to be celebrated as World Autism Awareness Day. The Autism Project covers a week of activities, dedicated to raising funds for the Green Frog Grey Elephant Foundation. It is hoped that this will become an annual event during the first week of April.

“Our objective is to also create a learning centre catering to the special needs of the cohort, where parents can bring their children to have them become integrated into the society. This sort of facility does not exist here. We know there is a niche and we want the children to have a place in the community,” Martin said.

Instruction and assessment focus will be on functional academics, daily living skills, vocational education, recreation/leisure skills, and career exploration. The programme will be designed to educate students between the ages of 16-24.

The Autism Project week of activities include the organisation’s major fundraising activity, the Tru-Juice Tuff Warrior Challenge, set for Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Tru-Juice Orchards in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

There will also be a documentary screening on autism on April 4 at the Courtleigh Auditorium at 7 p.m. The conversation with key stakeholders will continue with a panel discussion on April 6.

“Autism has a low mortality rate, so autistic children become autistic adults. Jamaica needs to ensure that programmes are in place for these people so that they can contribute to society and do not end up being a burden to the country,” Martin said.

For more information and how to get involved visit www.gfgefoundation.com