Autism: Deaconess Oborevwori to Establish Care Centres for Children with Special Needs

Leading the awareness on challenges faced by children with autism in Delta State, the wife of the state Governor, and Founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has promised to establish three special care centres across the three senatorial districts in the state.

Deaconess Oborevwori made this known on Tuesday, April 2, while celebrating the 2024 World Autism Day with children with special needs at the General Hospital, Ekpan in Uvwie local government area of the state.

Being the first celebration of its kind in the state, the governor’s wife said the United Nations recognizes April 2 as a day to acknowledge and advocate for the rights of autistic persons around the world.

In her words, “This year, You Matter Charity Foundation is at the forefront to address the challenges faced by persons with autism and assist other vulnerable individuals and their families.

“Today, we fulfil our foundation’s primary mission to give hope to autistic individuals, especially children and create a conducive environment for them to integrate fully into society and thrive alongside their peers”.

The wife of the Governor further emphasized that autism doesn’t stand for a death sentence or a spiritual attack but rather a health challenge that can be managed with special care by physicians and the show of unconditional love from parents and caregivers.

According to her, “The awareness of Autism may be low in this part of the world, but the You Matter Charity Foundation is committed to educating our people about autistic symptoms and the necessary steps to take.

“In addition to raising awareness, we plan to establish centres across the state to provide specialized care for children with autism, Down syndrome and those with related challenges ensuring that they have access to quality healthcare without barriers.

“We are also collaborating with the State Ministry of Primary and Basic Education to establish more special schools tailored towards the educational needs of these children.

“With the support of donor agencies, partners, and volunteers, we will empower caregivers with the necessary resources to enhance the lives of these wonderful children”, she said.

Earlier in her address, the Director General, You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo affirmed that the programme would also go a long way towards helping to enlighten school teachers on how best to assist the learning process of children with autism.

During a health talk, Paediatric Neurologist, Dr. Theresa Ogholaga said most autistic symptoms were developed at pre-birth.

She thus advised pregnant women to be judicious with their ante-natal care and take only prescribed ante-natal drugs.

She listed the signs of autism to include impaired social interaction which may involve the child’s inability to express emotions of excitement or sadness.

She also said that sometimes, repetitive actions by a child as well as overreaction or non-reaction at all to loud noise could be early symptoms of autism.

“Autism does not have a cure yet but early detection and intervention such as the multi-disciplinary approach to treatment, go a long way”, she submitted.

Highpoint of the celebration which also featured free medical screening and distribution of medications, was the donation of land to You Matter Charity Foundation for the establishment of a centre in Uvwie local government area by Hon. Ransom Onoyake.