Another way of looking at autism
On April 20, the University of Azuay - together with the Faculty of Philosophy, Letters and Education Sciences, the Department of Continuing Education and the School of Special Education - presented the conference "Autism, a different look", by María del Carmen Cordero.
The webinar began with the words of Bernarda Quintanilla, Coordinator of the School of Special Education, who expressed his gratitude to the Continuing Education Department for the constant support by allowing conferences and spaces for dialogue and exchange to be held.
Then he introduced the speaker, who is a Master's in Intervention and Initial Education, an undergraduate and graduate teacher in Initial Education and Basic Education careers, tutor of Pre-professional Practices and director of the Travesuras initial education center.
“I have started by saying that autism is a 'different look' because I want us to see in a different way people who have this condition, not only to see what they do towards our eyes but also what these children, adolescents and adults are ”, Stated Cordero at the beginning of his presentation.
The presentation started by defining that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder present from early childhood, characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, imagination and manifestations of repetitive, stereotyped and restricted behaviors, commonly identified more in boys than in girls.
According to Cordero, despite the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) mentions that currently one in every 160 people has autism, this figure is average, because, in different countries, including Ecuador, a higher range is maintained than previously presented.
Finally, Cordero cited the words of Thomas Armstrong regarding autistic disorder: "Although we do not live in their world, knowing the capacities, talents and abilities of autists contributes to forging a powerful argument to reach a new level of respect and understanding."
The event had the participation of around 294 people from different locations in the country, as well as educational institutions, universities, institutes, teachers, students and parents, who at the end of the conference asked questions and thanked the speaker.
On April 2 the World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated, for this reason this event and another one on April 21 was held at CEIAP, where a shared program with all families took place.
UDA Correspondent
