AUTISM, A FRIEND I MET.

I’ve walked a good walk with a good faith. On the streets of Accra, I move about with a whole group of individuals from different walks of life. It was interesting with the drumming from the bandsmen who thrilled us and passers-by with versus music made from vocal folds?The sole of my old-fashioned shoe wanted to give up on me after walking a long distance and destination not yet reached.

What a day to remember! Getting a head-start from a starting pointed located on the streets of Kokomlemle, a remote place of the several communities one would locate himself in Accra. Getting individuals from various places in Accra we commenced our walk at a few minutes past nine in the morning. Three different schools had joined the walk to mark this day celebrated all over the world. Energetic youth as well did not exclude themselves from this memorable day.

Beside all my busy schedules, I placed it upon myself to have a feel of it. I had never gone for any walk in recognition of a celebrated. With that away, while in primary and junior high school I never partook in the various floats organized by the school because I saw it as a waste of precious time. I always gave excuses of not feeling well and won’t be around that day. The Children’s Park which is located in the heart of Accra, close to the National Theatre was a place I had passed by uncountable times but I had never seen myself in the premises even as a child to have fun there.

Seeing the media all around to take videos and pictures of this memorable day honoured in Ghana, I was delighted. I had already located myself in the “heavens”. The way the police directed traffic enabled us to ply various routes to get us to our destinations was breathtaking.

What was more fun than having interactions with the “different ability” persons. They are indeed special. An inscription on the dress of a woman who was just ahead of me got me over the moon. I was curious. I wanted to hear, feel and see as they did. Enoch, one of the “special ability” persons approached me and took my phone without saying anything. For one moment, I was confused, afraid he would throw my phone away. I had not come across anyone with autism before and this being my first time, you can imagine how my heart was at that moment. He was one of a kind, touched the phone, realized it was complicated and placed it back on my bag.

“Autism is not a disease, don’t try to cure me. Try to understand me.” I learnt a lot from this walk. From afar, I wouldn’t have wanted to do anything with these persons but getting to know them, I loved them more than I loved myself. Curious as people are, they will question what autism is.

Autism, a complex developmental disability is a result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on the normal brain function, affecting the development of the person’s communication and social interaction skills. This group of people have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter.

However autistic individuals are gifted with different jaw-dropping  abilities! Unfortunately they are often isolated to reduce discrimination and prejudice from those who would mock them or treat them unfairly!

Loving them already? Why don’t you pay them a visit at Autism Care Centre in Kokomlemle. You can help support these persons as well. When you feel all is lost, these persons don’t feel the same. From the outside, you may feel hopeless about their futures but they don’t.

They are living full lives and all they need is your understanding. All they need is your understanding. Let’s accept them into the society as one of our own. “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value-Jim Rohn. I’m in love with somebody having autism already,not necessarily a female. What about you?

One personnel I can direct you to from the centre is Auntie Serwaa Quanyor. You can contact her on +233244325919. She has been a blessing to people living with autism.
Autism: We are caring for those affected.
Autism: Awareness, Care and Training.

Adjei Gerald.
+233543518489/+233209047962. lwonder93@yahoo.com. http://www.lhytylwonder.wordpress.com. University of Ghana.
Writers Code.