Autism in Ghana
Unfortunately there is a lack of awareness of autism in Ghana. While there are no reliable statistics for autism, projecting UK rates to Ghana suggests 300,000 have the condition, more than the population of Ghana’s 3rd city, Tamale. Often families, are unaware of children’s autism until adolescence. Many associate autism with evil spirits and autistic children are often scorned and excluded from their families and their community. Many families keep their children inside or turn to spiritual healers rather than doctors. Autistic children often do not receive school education and their prospects for future life are very low. This makes JAFFA’s mission to inform families, workers and the community about autism all the more vital.
Leave a Reply