Accra, April 23, – Mulan Neurodiversity School in Accra, working with the National Assessment and Resource Centre, has intensified calls for stronger national support systems for autism and other developmental conditions, urging government and stakeholders to prioritise early diagnosis, inclusion, and sustained intervention.
The initiative, held in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month, featured screening exercises for children alongside professional assessments aimed at identifying developmental challenges early and improving intervention outcomes. The event was held under the theme: “Embracing Differences, Empowering Every Ability.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction, with individuals experiencing varying levels of support needs depending on their condition.
Chief Executive Officer of Mulan Neurodiversity School, Mrs Thara Brigitte Mills Simmonds, said the programme was aimed at breaking stigma and expanding access to care, stressing that early support significantly improves outcomes for children.
She noted that autism should not be seen as a barrier to development, but rather a condition that requires appropriate systems of care and understanding.
She encouraged parents to seek timely support instead of concealing children with special needs due to stigma, adding that family involvement remains central to effective intervention.
The screening exercise brought together specialists including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, behavioural experts and special education practitioners, who conducted assessments and developed individual learning plans for children identified with needs.
As part of the outreach, the organisers donated assistive learning materials, including educational tools and wheelchairs, to support ongoing therapy services at the National Assessment and Resource Centre.
Mrs Simmonds further urged educational institutions to strengthen inclusive practices, warning that exclusion of children with disabilities limits their development and undermines social integration.
Head of the National Assessment and Resource Centre, Hajia Ramatu Alhassan, expressed appreciation for the support, noting that assistive equipment such as wheelchairs would improve service delivery for children with mobility challenges.
She explained that the Centre handles a wide range of developmental and learning conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, speech delays, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.
However, she raised concerns over limited resources and shortages of specialised professionals, which continue to constrain service delivery and force referrals to external facilities.
She appealed for increased government, private sector, and philanthropic support to expand capacity and improve accessibility of services.
A parent of a child with autism, Madam Debora Dzakpasu, also called for greater state assistance to families, noting that caregiving demands often limit parents’ ability to work and earn income.
She urged stronger social protection systems to ease the burden on households caring for children with special needs.
GHBUSS
23 April 2026
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