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{
    "id": 1228738,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1228738/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 227,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52(1) to make a Statement of topical concern on commemorating World Autism Awareness Day and Month. World Autism Awareness Day is a global event observed annually on the 2nd of April and continues throughout the month. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by behavioral and communication challenges that impact a person's ability to navigate social interactions and also causes their repetitive and restrictive behavior. The first historical appearance of the word autism was made in 1911 by the psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. It was in 1943 when paediatrics psychiatrist Dr. Leo Kanner characterized autism as a social and emotional disorder. In 1944, Hans Asperger published his article where he described autism as a disorder of normal intelligence children who simply have difficulty with social and communication skills. These articles were an important contribution to the studies that help to classify autism as a disorder separate from schizophrenia. It is important to note that as children with autism grow older, they face multiple obstacles because many do not speak, write or identify social cues as you and I do. They often become targets for bullies or are excluded all together. Children with autism are also vulnerable to kidnapping, getting lost or even drowning because they are prone to wander from homes and schools. Due to their inability to communicate, they struggle to tell someone their name, where they are from or where they live. Additionally, autistic adults in our neurotypical society are more likely to be isolated, uneducated, underemployed or unemployed completely. Only recently has autism spectrum disorder become recognized in Kenya. It is true that some behaviors of those with autism can be eccentric and therefore misunderstood, but they are not violent or evil. Luckily over the past few years, autism awareness has slowly spread throughout the country. Global statistics show that one in 88 children will be diagnosed with autism. It is even more alarming to note that more children will be diagnosed as autistic than with cancer, AIDS and diabetes combined. Autism affects approximately 4 per cent of the Kenyan population. In an effort to be inclusive of autistic learners, the first unit was established in City Primary School in Nairobi in September 2003 by a group of parents with autistic learners. The unit currently has 40 learners whose ages range between three and 16 years. This is just a small percentage, however, of the over 500 learners within the Nairobi area alone who have been assessed and found to be autistic, but it is certain that there are more. This means that most non-disabled children during their school years will come into contact with autistic learners. When this happens, it is our responsibility to make sure that they are accepting and do not discriminate against those who are different from them."
}