Three volunteers to launch autism awareness campaign in Bahrain schools

TDT | Manama                                                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Three volunteers, with the assistance of The Daily Tribune, are launching an autism awareness campaign in schools to educate teachers, parents, children, and the general public about the neurological and developmental disorder.

Mr Niju Joy, Mrs Raji Murali and Mrs Khusbhu Dubey are the three volunteers who have taken the initiative for a social cause. The campaign’s slogan is “Paint Your Superpower” to give children a creative platform to showcase their unique abilities.

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day held annually in April. It aims to encourage people to take measures and raise awareness about autistic individuals around the world. Mr Joy, an artist, told The Daily Tribune: “We are going to schools to take this initiative. We decided to focus this campaign on schools since teachers play a role in identifying children’s symptoms and signs.

“New Horizon School, Sacred Heart School, and Ria & Ric Center are the first three schools in line to support our cause, and more schools will soon follow. “They should be aware of children’s behaviour; some teachers might believe the youngster is simply hyperactive, uninterested in school, or an introvert, but it’s possible they have autism. That’s why according to the convenience of the school, our team will hold an interactive awareness session with teachers that lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.”

Mr Joy added: “Every child or person is unique, so we should recognise this. For example, I may be good in art but not math, thus “It’s okay to be different”. “The art department at the schools can prepare and create artwork during art class relevant to the theme “Paint Your Superpower” and post pictures of the same on school social media with the hashtag #paintyoursuperpower.”

Mr Joy noted that a father of an autistic child will share his experience and give some insight into what it’s like to live with autism in addition to the campaign. Lastly, they will be doing a campaign to raise awareness of autism on April 29 at the Ria and Ric Center, a school for kids with autism.

In regards to World Autism Awareness month, Dr Noor Yasser, a clinical administrator for special needs children at American Mission Hospital, said: “Parents have a significant part in their children’s development and should be mentally strong since they need to provide support, attention and a mature understanding with them.