by Chito Nwana MD on May 27, 2013
We had so much fun at the Walk for Autism held on Saturday, April 20th, 2013. Below is a report for all those that attended. Enjoy!
The Event:
The walk commenced at Tabitha Medical Center, No 4 Usuma St, Maitama at 10am after registration of the participants. An FRSC truck and a colorfully decorated mobile float that also hosted the DJ led us. Following the group was another FRSC/Medical Bus and other utility vehicles that were carrying medical personnel in the event of an emergency.
We walked/danced from Maitama, through the busy areas of Wuse II and ended at Tabitha Medical Center. During the walk there were several displays that included step dances by participants and a show by the bike riders. The total distance of the walk was 7km. The participants were not even aware of the distance because they had so much fun.
Results:
We discovered that people for the first time were able to comprehend the basic meaning of autism and it’s distinction or similarities with other forms of developmental disorders. The enlightenment was able to douse the stigma often times associated with it.
A particular case in point was a mother with an autistic child found herself ‘released” from the emotional burden and energized to address it objectively knowing that she is not alone in the fight.
The fact that the walk was populated by a diverse group of people from different professional, social, and cultural backgrounds, many of who did not know each other before the walk, encouraged camaraderie between the participants. This emphasizes the strength of the community coming together to pursue a cause.
Based on the comments of the participants the Walk made them aware of the significance of routine health check up for both children and adults, as Autism and other disorders when identified early and managed could have improved outcomes and a better quality of life. It was an event that not only spoke on behalf of Autism but also promoted a healthy lifestyle.
The walk was sponsored by Tabitha Medical Centre and supported by Paschal David & Company as well as the FRSC
Future Development:
In the future, we will like to involve government parastatals and corporate sponsors so as to have stronger national impact and be able to fund the programs that are so desperately needed for children diagnosed with autism.
Tabitha Medical Center has made the charity walk an annual tradition with our main focus being issues that affect women and children. Given the momentum and positive response by the community we plan to host another charity walk next year that will be focused on Autism and other mental health disorders in children.
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