The Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation has requested comprehensive development to improve the health and well-being of individuals with autism.
The foundation issued a statement on Tuesday, signed by its President, Stanley Effah, in honor of the 2024 World Autism Day with the theme ‘Moving from surviving to thriving.’
WAD is a globally recognized day on April 2, urging UN member states to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders and support the realization of human rights for individuals with autism.
According to the World Health Organization, ASDs are a varied group of conditions characterized by some difficulty in social interaction and communication.
Other features include unusual patterns of activities and behaviors, such as difficulty transitioning between activities, a focus on details, and unusual reactions to sensations.
The global health organization stated that about one in 100 children have autism, but the characteristics may not be diagnosed until later in childhood.
FEMHF emphasized the significance of the day as recognition of the diverse minds that enrich the world.
“It is not just a date, but a symbol of significant progress that can be greatly increased through an obligation based on the Sustainable Development Goals, with a fundamental relevance to inclusive and sustainable development,” the statement partially read.
Effah mentioned that the necessary development can be found in SDG 3, 4, 8, and 10.
“SDG 3 addresses good health and well-being with improved healthcare services and treatments tailored to Autism. SDG 4 focuses on quality education that is fair and inclusive, providing equal access for those in the Autism spectrum.
“SDG 8 emphasizes decent work and economic growth that promotes inclusivity in the workplace to accommodate and provide opportunities for autistic individuals, while SDG 10 centers on reducing inequality, a challenge often faced by people with disabilities, including autism; with the prospect of creating widespread awareness and acceptance for autism.
“At FEMHF, our interaction with individuals, families, and society, through the use of music as a central therapy in managing and promoting awareness and acceptance for autism, will shift from merely coping with autism to creating an environment where autistic people can thrive, aligning with the United Nations' standpoint for the 2024 World Autism year.
He noted,“Our focus at the organization is dedicated to the symbolic relationship that the 2024 World Autism Day shares with SDGs endorsing the concept of an inclusive society where everyone has an equitable chance at success, including those with autism.
He expressed that the organization will continue to highlight autism success stories as evidence of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of SDGs.
"We will continue to focus on telling positive and challenging stories about autism and sharing the victories achieved. FEMHF will keep organizing events to support the SDGs and improve the lives of people and families affected by autism."
resources to enhance the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism.
"As we celebrate the 2024 autism day planned by the SDG objective, we should remember that it is more than just a day of observation. It represents how SDGs can be effectively used to make a real difference in the lives of autistic people."
"This Day is an important moment to reflect on the broader goal of creating an inclusive world, especially where music plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and acceptance of autism in bright colors, including the color blue," he added.
The Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation has urged comprehensive development to enhance the well-being of individuals with autism. The foundation issued a statement on Tuesday, signed by its President, Stanley Effah, to commemorate the 2024 World Autism Day with the theme 'Moving from surviving to thriving.' WAD is an […]
“This Day is a pivotal moment to bear in mind with reflection on the more significant objective of forging a world that is inclusive in its thinking, actions, and essence, especially where music is a surviving propelling power that provides the thriving platform of a rallying social interactive arena that would promote awareness and acceptance of autism in bright colours, inclusive of blue”, he added.
