We Want An Inclusive World

 

WE WANT AN INCLUSIVE WORLD: GT BANK 11th ANNUAL AUTISM PROGRAMME

Every year, Guaranty Trust Bank organizes a program to spread awareness and to improve the understanding of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Just like every other year, they never seem to disappoint. This year’s theme was called “Life beyond diagnosis”.

It was a two-day conference programme. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the first day, but the second day, I swore that I had to be there. Despite the rush-hour traffic, I was determined to attend. And yes, I don’t really regret spending an unreasonable amount of money on my fare to the venue. Although, my tardiness resulted in my reserved seat being given to someone else and I was forced to stay outside for a while.

I loved that the organizers followed the COVID-19 guideline protocol. They ensured that social distancing was practiced and guests showed up in face masks.

What is so remarkable about this year’s topic is that it talks about the caregivers and parents; I’m not a parent, but I am a sibling to an individual on the spectrum and it’s not easy. Dare I say it, it can be overwhelming. People on the spectrum and also their families face stigma. A child with autism is stigmatized because of multiple reasons, mostly about their behaviors.

Life beyond diagnosis is about creating a world where all individuals living with autism and other developmental disorders can be accepted and can be provided with support and resources they need and require.

The conference featured many specialists and consultants from various medical fields. The topics of mainstream schooling, special education, certification of therapists, self-care and social stigmatization were covered. One important thing I took out of the programme was how autism should not only be known, but also accepted. It’s one thing to be aware of something, but it’s another thing to accept it. Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome and other developmental disorders need awareness and acceptance. There’s no reason to hate or demean, like we’re fond of.

I had a swell time. And guess what? Remi Olutimayin was also present. I don’t think he would ever know how much of an inspiration he is to me. Being a self-advocate, he gives me so much hope concerning my little brother. He’s also a voice director, voice actor and also a producer. How cool is that?

I appreciate Guaranty Trust Bank for once again, providing a platform where individuals can learn and get advice and suggestions on ways they can make their child, sibling or ward better. Thank you for being a voice in this very wonderful country that we are in.

You also can be a voice, by informing someone about autism and speaking up against discrimination of people living with autism, by showing your support to autistic individuals and their families. Finally, share resources. Let’s try to enable an atmosphere of acceptance and empathy. Deconstruct the walls of stigma surrounding autism and focus on the child’s strength and uniqueness! Be intentional about tackling barriers that these people face.

Once again, thank you GT bank for a wonderful programme and the consultation. Someday, I wish to be a panelist, but my fear of saying something extremely stupid makes me rethink that dream.

But who knows?

For more information about the programme, please go to their website. https://csr.gtbank.com/autism/events/annual-conference-2021/

Please check out my book "THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HAVING A SIBLING WITH AUTISM" using the link below https://linktr.ee/ToyinAjua