Michelle Muscat calls for compassion towards those affected by autism

Marigold Foundation chairperson Michelle Muscat has called for more compassion towards autistic children and their parents in a speech marking World Autism Day, coinciding with a separate announcement of a Bill empowering those affected by disorders on the Autism spectrum.

In a statement released this afternoon, the National Commission for Disabled Persons (KNPD) warned that recent statistics indicate that the number of children diagnosed with Autism is on the increase. “The non-inclusive society in which we live creates many barriers for persons in the Autism Spectrum to live an independent life. We have not yet come to terms with the reality of invisible disabilities; it is not only persons using walking sticks or wheelchairs who are disabled.

“This shows us that there is a need for more education , but this on its own is not enough, and the Autism Spectrum (Empowerment) Act is a strong step in the right direction,” said the group in a statement it released this afternoon.

The Bill is to suggest the creation of a council made up of professionals from different sectors, NGO representatives and at least one person with Autism, to work on a National State Plan, which will then be presented to the Government for implementation.

KNPD Chairman Oliver Scicluna praised the work of Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability Dr Justyne Caruana for this initiative, also congratulating the working group who had contributed to the drafting of the Bill.

“The fact that the name of the Bill focuses on Empowerment sheds hope, that the sector is taking it’s direction on empowering persons with a disability, meaning giving us the tools to be able to lead a productive citizenship and live and independent life” said Scicluna, adding that he hoped the Bill will be passed through Parliament with bilateral backing, to allow the continued building of a strong legislative framework to support the disability sector.

The prime minister's wife, in her role as chairperson of the BOV-supported charity the Marigold Foundation, paid a visit to Floriana primary school on Saturday, as the school marked the occasion of World Autism Day with a variety of activities and exhibitions.
Muscat met with parents and educators at the school, delivering an address to staff. After urging greater awareness of the condition, Muscat went on to outline the work that the Marigold Foundation does, together with various charities and NGOs.

She encouraged parents of autistic children to join the organisation and donate their spare time to helping out. Autistic persons "can form a fully fledged part of society" Muscat said, adding that parents of autistic children needed more support. "Society can be merciful but can be judgemental too, parents need their rest,” Muscat said. “The Marigold Foundation is there to help parents find respite and assistance."

Muscat encouraged those present to take up the challenge of raising awareness amongst those who do not deal with the condition on a regular basis. She called for the introduction of measures, such as Autistic-friendly areas in places of entertainment, quoting one mother's story of being too embarrassed to take her child to a particular restaurant again, after he had taken food from another table, not knowing that it was not acceptable to do so.

Muscat encouraged parents to make use of facilities already available, stating her intention to continue improving the facilities already available, given the availability of the funds required to train and educate parents of children affected by autism.