At a time when more and more persons are recognising the importance of education in all its form, it becomes more than crucial for parents/guardians to identify the challenges their children face and how to help them overcome these, so they can in turn reap success. Sadly, for some parents this ‘identification process’ is more complex. such is the case when a child faces a learning disorder such as Autism.
Autism is defined by psychologists as a “Neurodevelopmental brain development disorder characterized by impaired “Social interaction” and “Communication”, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism involves many parts of the Human brain; how this occurs is not well understood. The two other Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) are Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and PDD-NOS, diagnosed when full criteria for the other two disorders are not met.[3]
It may sound like a lot to process, but fortunately, here in Jamaica we have the Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation, which works along with parents whose kids are affected by autism and other disabilities. Through this foundation, there has been a significant increase in awareness levels of what autism is and how to help a loved one affected by it to succeed in all their endeavors. The task however is not an easy one.
With the new school term on us and changing governmental allocations, much of the education sector’s much needed funds have been reduced. This reduction will now mean that many special needs kids may not be able to remain in school. This is confirmed by the Maia Chung Autism and disabilities foundation which has been receiving continued calls that many special needs children will be the casualties of the Jamaican economic meltdown. Sad I know, but like the proverbial “behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining”, hope has arisen from a seemingly hopeless situation. But the best thing of all is that you our readers and your family, coworker and friends can play your part by making yet another special needs child remain in school.
It is simple really. The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation is asking for a donation of any amount for the DVD Maia and Quinn an Autism tale. This tale outlines when Maia first told Jamaica about her struggles with Autism. It was this “confession” which led her to start the Foundation. This fundraiser is a new and ongoing project which with your support, will help as many special needs kids as possible to stay in school.
So I implore you all to support this initiative, knowing that you will help someone in dire need with the added bonus of getting a product and the satisfaction that accrues from helping your fellow Jamaican (s).
Interested persons can call 876-578-3079 or email mcautismfoundation@mail.org or jamaicanmommies@gmail.com to order DVDs or provide other forms of assistance.
Come on guys! Let us do this-Together we can truly shout “Yes We Can”
I also implore you to check out the video below to see Maia share her experience with Jamaica about what it is like having an autistic child. For more information on autism you can visit The National Institute of Neuirological disorders’ website.
Come on guys. This is indeed a worthy initiative. Please do what you can to help. If each one reaches one, then surely we can all make a difference. Please bear in mind too that the DVDs provide useful information that may come in hand should anyone you know have any form or autistic tendencies or other disabilities.