Rabat - Dr. Andy Shih, senior vice President of Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization from the United States, said that he is very optimistic regarding the future of autism in the world, adding that scientific research has contributed in the understanding of the syndrome better now than ever before.
Speaking to Morocco World News on the sidelines of the Global Autism Summit that took place at the medicine faculty in Rabat over the weekend, Dr. Shih said that in the field of autism, having knowledge in itself is not enough, pointing out that there is a need for "the help of the government, the policymakers, the professional communities and families that there are opportunities and solutions out there that can make their lives better."
Dr. Shih also said that part of his work is trying to help all these stakeholders understand that it is possible to have a better future. "However, the main thing is that there is a need to work together and to respect the right of individuals and families of autism that they are entitled to health and education and other services like everybody else in the community," adding that "the ways to support them are not expensive and at the end of the day can benefit the society in general."
He went on to highlight the importance of awareness and the role of media, saying that they can help the population understand that people with Autism are like everybody else and that they are not unproductive.
"They need love and support like everyone else, they have challenges as well as strength and if you help the community understands that life would be better for everybody," he said.
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