First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed emphasised on Thursday night the importance of creating community awareness about autism. She made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony marking the 15th Anniversary of the Maldives Autism Association.
Speaking at the event held at the Maldives Autism Association in Hulhumalé, the First Lady highlighted common misconceptions within the community. She noted that many people mistakenly believe that autism needs to be “cured with special treatment” or that the attitudes and behaviours of individuals with autism, which arise from differences in brain function, need to be changed. Hence, she conveyed the need for additional efforts to clarify these misconceptions.
In that regard, the First Lady emphasised that children must be fully accepted with their personality differences. She then commended the Maldives Autism Association for its ongoing efforts to transform the community into a more inclusive society. She praised their work in providing necessary support mechanisms from all sections of society and in creating an environment where individuals with autism can advocate for their own rights.
The First Lady then highlighted the global situation of autism, emphasising that despite the varying degrees of autistic challenges, several notable individuals have persevered and are living successful lives. She encouraged everyone not to be disheartened by the symptoms of autism, but to recognise the child’s potential and continuously offer as many opportunities as possible.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady emphasised the precedence attached by the Administration to autism under its social justice policy. She also highlighted the Government’s decision to provide employment opportunities for such individuals.
At the ceremony, the First Lady presented commemorative plaques to long serving employees of the Maldives Autism Association.
