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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34991, member: 636"]
The Gambia celebrated its first World Autism Awareness Day with people coming together at Westfield's youth monument. Families, advocates, and groups met to raise awareness about autism under the theme "Celebrate Differences."

Autism affects people differently. Some talk easily, others communicate in other ways. Support needs vary - certain individuals live independently, others need daily help. Many autistic people also experience ADHD, anxiety, sleep issues, or seizures. The First Lady of Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, emphasized that autism brings creativity, resilience, focus, and potential.

GASAN Chairperson Isatou Keita described the event as more than a celebration—it marks a commitment to promoting autism awareness across the Gambia. The organization aims to break barriers, fight stigma, and build an inclusive nation where all children thrive regardless of neurological differences.

Harriet Bass from the Ministry of Gender noted how autism acceptance has grown globally over 17 years. She stressed that autistic people deserve dignified lives with opportunities to socialize. Dorren Dia from I Promise Care highlighted how children with special needs face rejection in Gambia because they differ from typical expectations.

Parents report that schools often refuse these children simply because they learn differently. GASAN works to change attitudes, offering support to families navigating autism challenges throughout their journey.
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