Tonga Marks World Autism Day ^Featured

Autism is a lifelong development disability that affects how a person communicates and relatively a new diagnosis for Tonga.

The 2nd of April is marked each year as World Autism Awareness Day, a condition that is still very new to us in Tonga. With the stigma of mental illness and disability crippling our communities, parents and friends of children with autism commemorate this day to raise more awareness of this condition.

In the past three years, parents of autistic children have commemorated this day starting with 6 children. Through awareness and outreach, they have been able to support other families with autistic children and the number has risen to 18.

“It’s important for parents to come to the hospital for a proper diagnosis if they are unsure of their child’s condition. This is especially important if the child shows signs of anti-social behaviorby choosing to be on their own rather than mix with their peers. They will also exhibit repetitive behavior and will often act out when this routine is disrupted. Here in Tonga, children often get disciplined because of the lack of understanding of their condition”, said Dr. Flora Lutui from the Ministry of Health who delivered the keynote address.

Dr. Lutui, an aunt to a 10yr old autistic nephew understands the struggles children with autism go through due to little awareness of the condition. She added that, “autism is not genetic, it could happen.

Autism is prevalent in the United States and according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their surveillance study, 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) are identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Present at the occasion held on Saturday 2nd of April at the Mango Tree Centre in Houmakelikao was HE Andrew Ford, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Lord and Lady Fielakepa, Lord and Lady Fakafanua, Mrs. ‘Ana Bing Fonua, CEO for MIA and other invited guests.

All who attended wore blue or a touch of blue which is the theme color for autism with a puzzle piece, the international autism symbol.

“Autistic children are quite remarkable. While there is no cure for autism, it is manageable and children living with autism can lead normal lives. Some of them become professional musicians and artists. These are some of the ways they can express their thoughts and emotions,” said Dr. Lutui.

In sharing her life with her 8yr old autistic son Ma’ake, Mrs. ‘Ilaisaane Faka’osifolau told the crowd, “he teaches me everyday to appreciate life’s little pleasures and finding joy in the simple things.” She went on to add, ‘autistic children are not disabled, they are able and they are precious.”

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), the UN Secretary-Gnearl Ban Ki-moon stated that, “on this World Autism Awareness Day, I call for advancing the rights of individuals with autism and ensuring their full participation and inclusion as valued members of our diverse family who can contribute to a future of dignity and opportunity for all.”

The formality was followed by a cake cutting ceremony lead by HE Andrew Ford. Other activities included the jumping castle to which Lord Fakafanua took part in, much to the children’s delight.

“We are grateful for all the support we received today through sponsorships and volunteers and we can only hope that each year, we are able to do more to raise awareness on autism,” said Lady Fielakepa.

‘Together we can solve the puzzle’ is a reminder on World Autism Awareness Day that while there is still much to be done to educate our communities about autism, it is important to be reminded that it is a collective effort. Autistic children along with their parents need all the love and support we can offer especially as there may very well be many children in Tonga that have yet to be diagnosed and families that need to understand this condition better.

The General Manager of Tonga Netball, Mrs Salote Sisifa says, inclusiveness of individuals living with a disability is inline with their goals in which they've taken on Autism to help and raise awareness on as other charities are established and running.  She added "being a parent is in itself a lot to take on, but to be a parent or a care giver of a child living with a disability or in this case autism needs support from family and the community".

The day ended with a balloon releasing ceremony with each autistic child’s name attached to each balloon.

”You are encouraged to wear blue in April for Autism Awareness month and should you wish to be a part of this worthy cause, please contact Autism Tonga or the Tonga Netball Association or check out their Facebook page on Autismtonga Tonga.

Tonga Netball Association