Caring for children with autism

Brainfoods, Stem Rx and Mall of Fame Nigeria, rekindled and explored the new paths of hope for children living with Neurodivergent Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, ADD and ADHD and intellectual disorders at the training workshop summit held at Nordic Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Ijeoma Ugwu of Brainfoods, the objective of the summit was to recommend new innovations and medical advancement on the treatment of these disorders through Stem Cell based approach from StemRx. There is a cure which is a gradual process of treatment and healing. According to the globally recognized Dr. Prof Mahajan Pradeep of StemRx.

ASD is characterised by social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and tendency to engage in repetitive behaviour. However, symptoms and their severity vary across three core areas. Autism is a condition characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and non-verbal communication, as well as unique strength and differences.

Experts and concerned parents at the summit called on the government to provide facilities for the management of children suffering from autism.

They urged Nigerians to show understanding with patients and offer psychological support for families with children having autism.

Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, Managing Director of StemRX; Andelene Thysse, director, and Ijeoma Ugwu, a public health nutritionist, offered a full understanding of the disease.

Mahajan , a general surgeon and consultant on cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD/ADD, developmental disorders child and adolescent psychiatry, discussed the epidemiology and distribution patterns in various populations.

Thysse spoke on Africa impact and overview on the advance medical treatment, Ugwu, a consultant on Ace Autism nutritionist, discussed advanced nutrition application and recommendations for parents while Olugbenga Komolafe, dwelt on the CSR impact and road map of the project.

The discussants said although the cause of the disease was unknown, with no cure yet, autistic children and their families need support from government and society.

Lamenting that facilities and support for the patients and families are almost non-existent, the medical experts urged the government to create special sections in schools for the children and come up with legislation that can help autistic children function better in the society.

Mahajan explained that cases of autism are increasing among Blacks living in Europe according to findings, stressing that statistics show that there are an average of 60 in 100,000 children in most countries with most sufferers being boys.

He enjoined the government to ensure schools and hospitals make provisions for them to help them function well and help their parents get respite from the stress of caring for them round the clock.

Thysse and Ugwu posited that no single intervention is the best, adding that the specific nature and needs of each child determine the intervention that will be appropriate.

They listed popular interventions to include psycho-education, respite for parents, support groups, schools and community help.

Many were given free one-on-one consultations facilitated by health professionals across a wide range of developmental specialists.

These consultations provided parents and caregivers with knowledge on how best to help their children make an easier transition from childhood to adulthood, so as to grow into responsible citizens that can contribute their quota to national development.