World Autism Awareness Day

Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) commonly known as Autism is a developmental disability that seriously affects a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication, and their social interactions as well. Autism is a neurological disorder that is lifelong and nonprogressive. The disorder typically appears before a child turns three years old. Autism has no cure, neither does it have a fixed or a one-way treatment; the treatments given are condition specific. Therefore, anyone who is diagnosed with this disorder, lives with it for life. It is known as a ‘spectrum’ disorder because there is a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. These variations are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The ways in which people with autism think, learn, and solve problems, can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people are able to live with less support or live their lives independently whiles others need significant support in their daily lives. 1 in 87 children in Ghana is autistic. 

People who suffer from autism face discrimination and other prejudices hence, the observance of World Autism Day. This is to create awareness about the lives of children and adults living with autism, to encourage people to understand them, see them as humans, include them in all spaces they fit, and make the world a friendlier place for them.

This year’s theme, Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World, seeks to advocate for more understandable working environments for adults living with autism during this time that the world is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. People living with autism, have mind-blowing unique abilities and qualities that the working spaces could tap into, if they are included in employment programmes.

No one chooses to be autistic. People living with autism are human too. They are only special in their own way. Let us promote their inclusion in all spaces and make the world a better place for them. Are you a parent caring for a child with autism?  We at DGG understand that this comes with a lot of challenges for you.  Reach out to our expert team for the support you need today.  Happy World Autism Awareness Day!