Different countries in the world, including Kenya, celebrated people with autism spectrum disorder on World Autism Awareness month, on April 2, 2023.
Every April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day, a day set aside to celebrate and address issues affecting autistic people all around the world. This year was no different, the day falling on a Sunday, under the theme; Transforming the narrative- contributions at home, at work, in arts, and policy making.
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This year’s theme was a call to bring up awareness about autism spectrum disorder, thus accepting and supporting autistic people in society and the workplace. The World Autism Acceptance Week kickstarted on March 27 and comes to an end on April 2, 2023.
In Kenya, the autism campaign started as early as March 31. Kenya Defense Forces’ families, including the Military Wives Association of Kenya, (MWAK) in conjunction with the Compensation and Welfare Department from Defense Headquarters commemorated in Nairobi, Eldoret, and the Coastal regions.
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The association did a 2KM procession around Garrison. The team was adorned in blue t-shirts (The color theme for Autism), symbolizing serenity. MWAK’s Chairperson, Tabitha Kibochi showed gratitude to the parents who showed up to celebrate the event, acknowledging children and families who are battling autism.
The association partnered with the Directorate of Medical Services and Bethany Kids, to conduct early screening for children. Tabitha encouraged parents to bring out their children for autism screening early enough.
Pregnant women were not left out; they were also encouraged to engage with doctors throughout the early stages of pregnancies to avoid future problems.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the communication, social interaction, and behavior of a person. This condition affects all people, regardless of age, race, or ethnical background. The causes of autism remain unknown, however, people and children diagnosed with this condition can lead a full life, with the proper care and treatment.
