Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1357219
Ivan Bartolo & David Agius 12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 31 MARCH 2021 OPINION Ivan Bartolo is Opposition spokesman for social exclusion • David Agius is PN deputy leader THIS Friday 2 April, which also happens to be Good Friday this year, will mark World Autism Day. It is a day dedicated to those who work in favour of people with autism and to thank their guardians or parents for their dedication. This condition poses a challenge to all those involved, and we politicians are grateful for your work and sacrifices. In the context of the pandemic we un- derstand that this challenge has continued to grow, sometimes complicating itself. We are contacted by families who are liv- ing this condition each day and they share with us their difficulties and all they go through at home. As politicians it is our duty to listen to them and implement pol- icies that will help them out. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), includes a wide range of condi- tions including repetitive behaviour, and involves many difficulties in speech and non-verbal communication. While there is no single type of autism, all types offer a broad spectrum of challenges, among others very severe challenges. People with autism need significant support, some of them depend almost entirely on others. Us human beings still have a lot to learn about this condition, and as a country there is room for much improvement in the services and aids offered. Social isolation is presenting new chal- lenges for families with children or adoles- cents with autism as many of them require specialised services or therapies, such as individual educational programmes, be- havioural therapy, and linguistic or physi- cal assistance. Many children with autism have communication difficulties, and these type of services or therapies are dif- ficult to do virtually. As a result, parents are having to play a dual role as parents and teachers for long hours and at the same time cope with their lives and other difficulties such as job losses or work-life balance. In this context, it is important that parents do not think twice about asking for the help of experts and profession- als. They can support and help both the difficulties of upbringing and the overall process of teaching children with autism. Indeed, on World Autism Day we also re- member learning support Educators and other professionals who perform work without much fuss for the benefit of our society. We all recognise the importance of par- ents and children keeping in touch with phone calls, videos or videoconferencing with their relatives and friends, during a pandemic. However, this is more important and es- sential when children or young people are living with the condition of autism, who find it heavier to build social contacts and relationships with others. The Nationalist Opposition keeps these people at heart and presents many par- liamentary questions to keep the govern- ment vigilant for their needs and carries out urgent policies for the benefit of all. During the 3rd March meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs, the Nationalist Opposition ex- pressed its commitment in preparing the Agenda of this Committee and further- more called on parents or guardians liv- ing with people with these challenges to present ideas and suggestions for further improvements and urgences. We, Deputy Leader David Agius, and MPs Ivan Bar- tolo and Dr Maria Deguara on behalf of the Nationalist Opposition brought for- ward several points and issues, including the lack of information on autism to the general public so much that it is not being given the importance it deserves. Malta needs to follow models of other European countries, and increase and im- prove awareness among people at home, and about the situations and consequenc- es of this condition. The Opposition is calling on the government to step up re- search according to the needs of our coun- try, while a specific question on autism should be included in the next census. The Opposition is also calling for a dis- cussion on the transport of people with autism and their particular difficulties in seeking jobs. This will allow us to address certain particular and urgent problems without much delay. We have also drawn the government's attention to the lack of LSEs, coaches and therapists that are much needed to im- prove their quality of life and to support families in the best way. In addition, we want to see that Child Development As- sessment Unit therapy is no longer pro- vided solely online because it is causing losses and disadvantages in the develop- ment of the people involved. The Opposition continued to liaise with other NGOs in our country, including the Federation of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities and NGOs on HDHD, Down Syndrome and so on, to stay up to date and informed, be proactive, and set the country's agenda for people with disa- bilities and others. We, as opposition members will contin- ue to make our voices heard at home and call for immediate action to prevent par- ents from feeling lost, but on the contrary, they feel that society is listening to their hurts and particular needs in relation to this condition and the behaviour of their children. Message to families living with this condition We politicians recognise that your life is going through a difficult routine and it is our duty to not only show empathy and give you courage, but our duty to pull our socks up for your good as well as to your silent battles. We want to ensure that with modern politics and stronger investment in pro- fessionals, children or families have prop- er and optimal services that help them im- prove their skills, during this difficult time for all. We urge you to be clear and honest with people with autism, and to continue to give them every help in understanding the current world better and how their be- haviour should be. We recognise that you live with people with autism every day, you are the experts and we will continue to listen to you. On- ly you know these people and above all they trust only you. On the 2nd April this year we will not only recall Good Friday but it will be the day that reminds us and informs us of this condition and your pre- cious work. Autism: a reality that is lived behind closed doors