On October 11th 2024, at 7pm, GUBA Foundation hosted LaToya Tekoa, ACAS CPRP who is a Neurodevelopmental Specialist and the founder of Behaviourgenics and also a proud autism advocate, serving her surrounding communities. She spoke on the topic, ‘Evidence Based Practices for Children with Neurological Disorders: Integrating Mental Health Support in SEND Services’.
In attendance were Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Founder & Chair of GUBA Foundation, Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Co-Chair & Trustee, GUBA Foundation and Penny Ephson-Clark, Trustee & Creative Art Director, GUBA Foundation and other supporters of the Foundation and the Autism I am Not a Stigma project.
During the webinar, LaToya highlighted several evidence-based practices which parents and carers with children on the autism spectrum and other neurological disorders could adopt to ensure that they are receiving the needed care and support. Some of these practices include; early intervention practices (occupational, physical & speech therapy), Individual Evaluation Planning (IEP), the effective use of medication, social skills inculcation, the use of Assisted Technology, forming strong relationships with children’s support systems (teachers, therapists, pediatrician), joining social media networks, finding accountability partners, receiving on training support as parents/professionals, involving a therapist and tapping into family support (inclusive and hands on & supportive environment).
LaToya’s engaging session brought in questions from the audience including contributions and suggestions on what the future looks like in the field of support for individuals on the autism spectrum and also on supporting and training for individuals with learning disabilities and autism both in the UK and especially in African countries like Ghana. She also stressed the need for mental health support for parents and carers whilst performing their responsibilities towards their autistic children and called attention to the fact that “early intervention is the number one successor in allowing a child to grow”.
The webinar which lasted for about an hour and 15 minutes came to a successful end with Latoya expressing her appreciation to the GUBA Foundation for the platform and also affirmed her support for future events regarding raising awareness and destigmatising autism within the ethnic minority groups in Ghana and in the UK.