Seventh-day Adventists in Brazil this week will take active steps to assist those with autism throughout the country. Experts and those interested in the subject will discuss, online, how to strengthen the support network for autistic people. The event is the 2nd International Autism Webinar of RAAFA (Adventist Network to Support the Autistic Family) , scheduled to take place on December 19th and 20th. The general theme is Every autistic is someone's loved one.

Although there are no official figures, it is estimated that there are 2 million people with autism in Brazil. According to Revista Autismo (Autism Magazine), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a health condition characterized by a deficit in social communication, that is, socialization and verbal and non-verbal communication. There is also a deficiency in behavior, with restricted interest and repetitive movements.

Inform, assist, and comfort

According to Keiny Goulart, an event organizer, the idea is to bring information to families on how to treat people with autism. “In addition, we are going to talk about helping teachers in the classroom, fathers and mothers, questions of genetics, scientific studies, as well as much comfort and hope for those who face this situation”, he points out.

The director of the Adventist Possibilities Ministries (MAP) in South America, Pastor Alacy Barbosa, explains that RAAFA has his department’s full support. Barbosa emphasizes the event’s purpose is to welcome and support families, and to share experiences, and knowledge. This is done with the purpose of creating the best conditions for families to help autistic children develop to their full potential.

Event content

The Webinar will also feature a moment for children with the confirmed presence of Christian singers Marla and Daniel Lüdtke, from the Minha Vida project, and Tia Cecéu.

The word of experts will also mark the virtual meeting. Lectures are planned with neurologists Carlos Gadia and Paulo Liberalesso, in addition to the professor and psychopedagogue Lucelmo Lacerda and biologist and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Graciela Pignatari.

The event will feature a closure designed as a true Christmas gift for families. In addition to the message from pastor Barbosa and singer Saulo Laucas, who is autistic, the participation of Claudio Henrique, an autistic from Portugal, is also confirmed. Drawings for online consultations with some professionals and support materials are planned to help families.

The event will start on the 19th at 19:30 and continues on the 20th of December from 8:30. More information on the website of www.somosraafa.org and on social networks @ raafa.autismo or by calling Keiny Goulart in Brazil at (55) 9 9995-2077.

Raafa

RAAFA is a network formed by family members, teachers, and professionals that aims to support and welcome families with autism. It was formed in April 2020 and, in May, held its first event with 38 thousand people reached.

Full schedule:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

7:30 pm - MASTER CLASS - “Created in the Image of God” - Sam Neves, United States

8:30 pm - “TEA - Myths, truths, and challenges” - Dr. Carlos Gadia, United States

21:30 - “Comorbidities in Autism” - Dr. Paulo Liberalesso, Brazil

SUNDAY, MORNING - DECEMBER 20

08:30 - “Antifragility - A necessity” Darleide Alves, Brazil

09:00 - "Social Skills in Autism in adulthood" - Dr. Lucelmo Lacerda, Brazil

10:00 - “Accessibility for Autism in tourism” - Amanda Ribeiro, Brazil

11:00 - “Early Intervention and Capacitism” - Keila Tomazeli, Canada

SUNDAY, AFTERNOON

13:30 - [KIDS] “My Life is a Journey” - Marla and Daniel Ludtke, Spain

14:10 - [KIDS] "You're not alone" - Tia Cecéu, Brazil

14:30 - “Neuroscience, Autism and Music” - Aline Kefler, Brazil

15:30 - “Literacy and Autism” - Claudia Camilo, Brazil

16:30 - “Importance of Genetics in Autism” - Dra. Graciela Pignatari, Brazil

17:30 - “TEA Learning: From diagnosis to methods” - Andrea Weffort, Brazil

18:30 - “Autism: Genetic and Environmental Consequences” - Dr. João Vaz, Brazil

7:30 pm - "Everything about the rights of the Autistic!" - Carla Bertin, Brazil

8:30 pm - MASTER CLASS - “The Privilege of Loving” - Alacy Barbosa, Brazil

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site