Seychelles gears up for Autism month |16 March 2016

In order to raise more awareness of the autism condition which affects a number of people here and encourage solidarity with concerned parents, a host of activities will be organised to mark World Autism Day which falls on April 2.

Pearl Seychelles Autism Association is a group of around 20 parents whose children are autistic and they require special needs in terms of welfare, special educational teaching, social outings but most important the tender love, care and affection to adjust them to live a normal life.

The association is chaired by Lynn Lavigne and comprises an active and devoted committee of parents who are committed to giving a better life to their autistic children.

Ms Lavigne, her vice-chairperson Marie Annette Ernesta and a board member Helena Sims met the press last week to discuss the progress of the preparations for Autism month which is next month.

Ms Lavigne said the highlight for them is plans to set up a Special Needs Learning Centre for autistic children in Seychelles and the association is meeting up with the respective government ministries to see the realisation of this project.

“We are thinking of getting professionals from Reunion or Mauritius to come to Seychelles and help us with setting up a little establishment where we can have autistic children to use the premises as school ground especially those who are being homeschooled or cannot go to mainstreaming or the special needs school. These professionals could also help train parents with autistic children and professionals in Seychelles such as special needs teachers,” she said.

Furthermore she will be meeting with experts from Austisme Maurice and Autisme Reunion, two similar groups within the region and they have embarked on a bilateral co-operation relation of which an agreement will be signed in Reunion in April.

To create awareness of this increasing health ailment and to coincide with World Autism Day Pearl Seychelles Autism Association has found it appropriate to hold a special autism fun run on April 2 from 4.30pm at the Victoria Stadium and the annual Autism Charity Ball on April 30, from 7pm to 1am at the Eden Bleu Hotel.

They will also Light It Up Blue, which is a worldwide concept dedicated to raising awareness of autism. People all over the globe will wear blue and light up their communities for World Autism Day.

However the association hopes to add a unique feature to make it more special this year.

Other activities will be announced in due course.