The Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO, has expressed its continued support for individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, as the company promised to take the campaign across the Continent.
The financial behemoth made the commitment during an interaction with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, to herald the 14th annual autism conference, themed; A Spectrum of Possibilities scheduled to hold from July 15 to 16 in Lagos.
Speaking, Charles Eremi, the bank’s Group Corporate Communication, said the company has provided support for those living with the condition for many years, adding that the essence of this is to ensure that these individuals are provided the opportunities to thrive in whatever they have chosen to do.
Eremi said, “Each year, we like to bring people here to talk more about this condition. We have grown it from awareness to advocacy and now we are at a point where we are building around autism and those in the spectrum.
He added that this edition would offer the opportunity for free consultation and access to professionals from the medical sectors, adding that the advocacy program would be held in other African countries, including the one in Ghana, commencing on July 23 to 27.
Also speaking, a behavioral analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku bemoaned the lack of awareness, acceptance and accommodation of those living with ASD urging societal attitudinal change towards them.
Bolodeoku, a mother of an 11-year-old child, stated that early intervention helped her nurture and bring out the best from the child, urging parents with ASD children to allow them to express themselves.
Over the years, the GTCO Autism initiative has provided opportunities for those living with the condition to thrive in their choosing endevours.
