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GTBank Autism week 2017 A perspective on transition from Childhood to Adulthood: Communication and Social development.

     The annual 7th edition of Guaranty Trust bank Orange Ribbon Initiative, autism conference was held at Muson center, Onikan, Lagos. The theme of this year event is ''Childhood to Adulthood: Communication and Social development". In attendance were parents, caregivers, representatives of government and the public.
     The Orange Ribbon Initiative is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Guaranty Trust bank dedicated to support children, especially those with developmental and psychological challenges with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

                                                                                                                                                  Mr. Segun Agbaje. CEO/MD GTBank

     Chief Executive Officer and Managing director of Guaranty trust bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje in his keynote address stated that Autism is a lifelong condition with several layers of challenges and yet there is still a lot to be done with much concerted effort to support children and Adults living with autism, their families, caregivers and the experts who are working on innovative solutions for people with developmental disabilities and special needs.
Agbaje also added that Acceptance remains the key that bridges the divide between the child living with autism and the society.
     Dr. Yewande Oshodi, a Consultant of Child and Adolescent psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer in the department of Psychiatry of the Lagos state University teaching Hospital gave her opening plenary presentation on the theme; Beyond a Diagnosis of Autism, with highlights on the role of the community, parents, families and caregivers in the social process of accepting the diagnosis of an affected child and the lack of proper services and proven methods to challenge stigmas associated with ASD and related disabilities.

                                                                                                                                                                           Mrs. Joyce Onafowokan

     The government was not left out as it representative, Mrs Joyce Onafowokan, special adviser to his Excellency, Governor of Lagos state on Social development, spoke on the Benefits of early intervention and early diagnosis services giving to a child affected with autism.
     Nse Aruede, a parent expressed her gratitude towards this initiative birthed by Guaranty trust bank, said the Conference, Workshop and special session has really been impactful and informative to her on managing and playing the role of a caregiver for her son who has Autism Spectrum disorder. She also urged the government and corporate organisations to give more attentions to the plights of the child living with autism by building more specialized schools and health care centres with funding as well, as they pay so much to send them to specialised private schools.

     Recall, Guaranty Trust bank Orange Ribbon initiative over the past six years have amplified a national awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and increased the expert assistance available to people living with autism. More than 10,000 people have participated in their annual Autism conference offering free consultation services to over 3000 children.

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