Autism remains to be little-known in Burundi, and autistic kids are sometimes hidden away, accused of being spoilt, capricious, or possessed.

Some uncommon dad and mom, nonetheless, perceive this case and help their kids, as does Alice, a mom of three, considered one of whom is autistic.

“Few dad and mom perceive this, it takes persistence and braveness. Some dad and mom get discouraged and conceal their kids, hiring individuals to take care of them of their bedrooms,” she says.

The Talitha Koum centre goals to interrupt the taboo. The identify in Hebrew means ‘Rise up and stroll’, and it helps kids to be taught and develop.

“It is about care tailored to the kid. The second goal is to help households, and the third is to boost consciousness all through the kid’s atmosphere,” says centre coordinator, Jeanne d’Arc Nduwiyingoma.

Talitha Koum aspires to be a centre of excellence on autism.

Dr Mélissa Ingabire of the Sensory Integration Division says the dysfunction shouldn’t be actually an sickness, and requires early prognosis.

“Early prognosis actually performs a necessary function within the administration of autism, at the beginning for the kids involved. It allows them to profit from early and acceptable care, which can enhance their expertise,” she says.

The centre was lately chosen because the driving pressure behind a race between Bujumbura and the Rwandan capital, Kigali, organised by cyclists from Zinduka Membership.

It was a chance to extend public consciousness about autism and lift funds to help the centre.

Created in 2020, the Talitha Koum centre has already screened round 200 kids. Solely round 20 of them are cared for on the centre.