All united against autism
The city of Maputo recently hosted a workshop dedicated to raising awareness about autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is still poorly understood in Mozambique. The event brought together parents, children with autism, and health professionals, emphasizing the importance of increasing knowledge and understanding of autism in Mozambican society.
Susana Silva, a specialist in rehabilitation and social integration and the main speaker at the workshop, began the event with a detailed explanation of the autism spectrum in the country. "Autism affects three major areas of development: communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is crucial that society understands these areas to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for children and their families," she stated.
She highlighted that children with autism may experience significant delays in language or difficulties in maintaining a dialogue, often using alternative forms of communication such as crying, screaming, or hand gestures. Interaction with other children can be challenging, and behavior can vary widely, with some children being aggressive when contradicted and others extremely calm.
Susana Silva emphasized the need for an inclusive and informed approach to improve the quality of life for children with autism and their families. “A joint effort from society is needed, including public policies that promote inclusion in schools and access to specialized health services. Awareness and continuous training are essential for a more welcoming and understanding society,” she affirmed.
COMMON PROBLEMS
During the workshop, several parents of children with autism shared their experiences and challenges. Many reported the initial difficulty in realizing their children had autism, as some children developed normally until about one year of age but then exhibited significant behavioral changes.
They then sought out psychologists and hospitals, where they received the diagnosis of autism. Parents emphasized the importance of therapy to help overcome the challenges of autism, especially for non-verbal children. They highlighted the need for teamwork and the acquisition of knowledge about autism, as the condition requires not only the assistance of doctors but also the active and patient participation of parents. They underlined that, although autism has no cure, with adequate support, children can achieve significant development.
Some parents also mentioned common symptoms of autism such as allergies, skin problems, speech difficulties, and delays in language development. They reported that some children only began speaking late, in some cases at 16 years old, and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and continuous support.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT
Physical education teacher Edgar Guibene stressed the importance of physical education in managing autism. "Physical education is very important because it develops basic motor activities and the children's own motor apparatus," he stated.
He explained that regular physical exercise can improve motor coordination, concentration, and social interaction for children with autism. "Physical education is very important because it develops the children's basic motor activities and motor apparatus," he clarified.
Regular physical exercise can improve motor coordination, concentration, and social interaction for children with autism, being a crucial tool for their development.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
