Dr Yvonne Nana Ama Brew, a neurodevelopmental paediatrician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, emphasized that symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be reversed if detected before the age of three.
She spoke at the opening of the 3rd Annual GTBank’s Autism Workshop and Consultations in Accra, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention.
Dr Brew explained that autism affects communication and social interaction from birth and involves crucial brain development up to age three.
While autism cannot be cured, she noted that early detection and intervention significantly improve outcomes. Communicating difficulties, social challenges, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities can be effectively managed with timely support.
The GTBank workshop, themed “A Spectrum of Possibilities,” featured expert lectures and one-on-one consultations with speech therapy, behaviour analysis, occupational therapy, psychology, and special education needs specialists. The event aimed to raise awareness, provide support, and empower caregivers and stakeholders in managing individuals with autism.
Dr. Brew underscored the shared responsibility among parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers to observe early signs of ASD and urged vigilance, particularly in children under three years old. She emphasized that early detection enables timely interventions that profoundly impact a child’s developmental trajectory.
Autism, she emphasized, affects various facets of an individual’s life, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. The workshop provided awareness and tangible support for those affected by autism in Ghana.
