They said he was stubborn - But it was autism: Breaking the silence in Ghana
In homes across Ghana, a child who avoids eye contact, doesn't speak by age three, or repeats certain actions may often be misunderstood. Some are labeled stubborn. Medical experts are increasingly urging families to understand a neurological condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is not a curse, is not caused by bad parenting, and is not contagious.
Globally, an estimated 1 in 100 to 1 in 160 children are on the autism spectrum. A World Bank report indicates that about 380 out of every 100,000 Ghanaians are on the autism spectrum. Some smaller studies suggest that 1 in 87 children under three may show signs consistent with autism. Parents are encouraged to seek professional advice if a child does not respond to their name by age one or does not speak by age two.
Quick Summary
Across Ghana, children showing signs of autism are often misunderstood-labeled as stubborn or believed to be under spiritual attack. Medical experts are urging families to understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and seek early intervention-but stigma remains a challenge.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: Adom Online
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from Adom Online
Related Stories
More from Health
The avoidable death of Charles Amissah: A national indictment of Ghana's emergency care system
A motorcycle accident victim arrived at three hospitals, but what happened next raises serious questions about emergency care.
1d ago•
