Cross River Speaker Warns Against Stigmatizing Children with Autism

The Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has cautioned people against stigmatizing children with autism in the society.
Hon. Ayambem, who gave the warning while flagging off the commencement of a six-kilometre walk around major streets of Calabar, recalled that in the past, children with autism were abandoned in “evil forests” due to superstitious beliefs.
The Speaker who represented Governor Basssey Otu noted that science has since proved that autism is a medical condition, not witchcraft, urging parents to give affected children greater attention.
Chairman of the Healthy billionaire Cub, William Archibong Jr, said the initiative, carried out in partnership with other health clubs, was designed to raise awareness and secure government and community support.
“We want people to appreciate these special children and for authorities to afford them the medical care they deserve,” he said.
Archibong Jr explained that the club adopts one health issue of public concern each year for advocacy.
He noted that since their first walk during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have drawn government and public attention to a range of health challenges.
He further appealed to the public to stop stigmatizing or demeaning children with autism, stressing that the condition is a global concern and not peculiar to Cross River State.