By Asmau Ahmad
The Trustee of Anwar’s Trust Foundation, an NGO based in Kebbi, Aminu Usman, on Friday urged states and federal governments to give attention to the treatment of persons affected by autism spectrum disorders. Aminu, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice in Kebbi told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that high cost of treatment and lack of special diagnostic services were major challenges facing autistic patients.
“The only diagnostic services centre in the country is located in Port Harcourt, but we would continue to work out ways of raising awareness to address the health care needs of persons affected by autism spectrum disorders.
“Adequate funding is required for education programmes for patients and government involvement is key.
“It is on record that the combined diagnoses of Cancer, AIDS and Diabetes last year were less than the autism cases diagnosed globally”.
He said the foundation would seek for consistent government funding in the area of special education, upgrades of facilities and actualisation of the potential of persons affected by the disorder.
“Unlike other conditions that attack the brain and cause impairment, autism health issue require early therapy and the foundation is hoping for donor support to assist patients travel abroad where efficient facilities are available.
“I am a working father and my wife chose to remain at home to manage our 10-year-old son who does not speak, has high threshold for pain and entirely in his own world, and exhibits most of the traits associated with autism”, he added.
