Guaranty Trust Bank plc on Tuesday began its two-day Autism Autism Conference at the Shell Hall MUSON centre in Onikan, Lagos.
The bank’s head of communication and external affairs, Oyinade Adegbite, in her opening address, appreciated individuals who made it to the event in spite of various challenges.
She added that the bank won’t just go back to banking which is its primary objective after the conference sayings that follow up consultation is expected to continue after the event.
Early intervention expert and special adviser to Lagos State Governor on social development, Joyce Onafowokan, in her address disclosed that the state government was concluding plans on providing facilities for the benefits of children with special needs, adding that seasoned professionals will be employed to better take care of the children.
She revealed that two relief centres have been penned down for construction in Oregun and Sangotedo areas of Lagos.
Mrs Onafowokan added that the government had mandated the Lagos State University to carry out appropriate research and help with data collation about children with special needs in the State.
She concluded that Governor Ambode has set a new record by providing employment opportunities for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Director of Patrick Speech & Language Center, Adedotun Akande, in her presentation on the role of community in autism advocacy, stated that it was important the community take note that each child is unique and it is necessary to be sensitive to the need of each affected child.
Mrs Akande advised against taking unprofessional advice from people in the society as she noted that every mother is the best advocate for her child.
Executive Director of The Color of Autism Foundation in USA, Camille Proctor, also spoke at the event.
Disclosing that she has a 10-year-old child with autism, Proctor called on parents to be close to their children with special needs than any other persons as only them can understand their wards better than any other persons in the community.
other seasoned professionals provided tips on how to react, handle and give care to children living with autism.
The event also had parents share their experience as some also seek for guidance in order to understand their children and better care for them.
