autism awareness

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face heightened risks in various aspects of life due to challenges in communication, social interaction, and understanding abstract concepts. These risks are particularly pronounced regarding safety, as children with ASD may have difficulty understanding and following safety instructions, recognizing dangerous situations, and complying with safety protocols. Teaching safety awareness and compliance to children with ASD is, therefore, crucial (Vu et al., 2024). This education can bring substantial benefits, including enhanced personal safety, increased independence, and improved quality of life. Reducing the Risk of Injury and Death Children with ASD are at a significantly increased risk of injury and death compared to their neurotypical peers. According to a study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (2017), individuals with autism have a substantially heightened risk of injury and premature death, with drowning being the leading cause. Introducing safety education early can help mitigate these risks by teaching children how to recognize and avoid hazardous situations. For instance, early swimming lessons can be lifesaving by equipping children with the skills to stay safe in water (Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2017). Similarly, research by Catalá-López et al. (2022) highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce mortality rates among children with ASD. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety education programs that address various aspects of personal safety.

Maya is fourteen year old. Her younger brother was diagnosed with Autism five years ago. Autism is an everyday part of her life. She was forced from very young to understand that her brother is different but yet special in his own way and that he would not be able to do the things that she does. This level of understanding, acceptance and unconditional love for her brother has helped her mature much faster than most of her peers. Through her brother, she knows about all different types of therapies, strategies for learning, etc., and she participates fully in his life. When she entered secondary schools and made new friends, those closest to her did not know about Autism. However, through their interaction with her brother, they quickly learned about his unique traits and were able to communicate with him in his special way. They embraced his differences and accepted him, Autism and all. Maya, along with her best friends Chelsi and Kiara and her cousin Vaani, are the core members of Siblings and Friends Network, the youth section of Support Autism T&T. One of our main visions at Support Autism T&T is the creation of a new generation of empathetic leaders, individuals who would be aware of special needs within our community and would work towards acceptance, inclusion and changes at the national level. Diogenes, the Greek philosopher said " the foundation of every state is the education of its youth " and we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. In this case, it involves interaction with those with Autism and other marginal groups who have been ignored for the most part, by mainstream