Anambra to establish schools for autism victims

The Anambra Government says it plans to establish referral school for people suffering from autism spectrum disorder in each of the senatorial districts of the state.

Dr Azuka Ofomata, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday.

“What we want to do now is to start searching for autistic children, especially in communities, so we can start an inclusive school for them.

“The plan is to at least, establish an inclusive school in every senatorial district to deal with autistic children, children with Down Syndrome and intellectual disability, among others,” he said.

Ofomata said that Heads of Social Welfare, Aerial Educational Officers, Zonal representatives and other relevant personnel, would be trained on how to handle these special people.

The Permanent Secretary said that the ministry had intensified awareness campaign geared towards encouraging proper care of autistic children and people with special needs.

He lauded Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra for employing 64 physically-challenged graduates and empowering disabled persons with grinding machines, wheel chairs and hair dressing equipment, among others.

Ofomata however appealed to the governor to employ other physically-challenged persons with OND, HND, NCE and WAEC certificates as well as 10 volunteers, who had been helping people with special needs in the past six years.