Important to Raise Awareness About Autism, Says First Lady Sajidha

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed emphasised the importance of creating community awareness, last Thursday evening. 

Speaking at the ceremony to celebrate Maldives Autism Association’s 15th anniversary held at Hulhumale, she said many people still had the common misconception that autism needs to be “cured with special treatment.”

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She said people also falsely believed the attitudes and behaviours of individuals with autism, which arise from differences in brain function, need to be changed. She conveyed the importance of changing such misconceptions about autism.

Sajidha said children must be accepted for their personality differences.

She then commended the Maldives Autism Association for its ongoing efforts to transform the community into a more inclusive society. She praised their work in providing necessary support mechanisms from all sections of society and in creating an environment where individuals with autism can advocate for their rights.

The First Lady also highlighted the precedent this administration attaches to autism under its social justice policy. She noted the administration’s decision to provide employment opportunities for such individuals as well.

At the ceremony, the First Lady presented commemorative plaques to long-serving employees of the Maldives Autism Association.