22nd February, 2019 ‘What You Taught Me About My Son’ a documentary that promotes the early recognition of the people with autism and the need to support them, their families and teachers was screened for the first time in Nuku’alofa at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel last night, 21st February, 2019.
The film screening was part of the Japanese Annual Culture Events and was organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Autism Foundation of Tonga (Tapuaki Mei Langi). As of last year, more than 17 children with autism in Tonga have been registered in the foundation ages ranging from 8 – 16.
Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada said, the documentary was based on a book written by Mr. Naoki Higashi, a young Japanese with autism.
“In Japan, we have many parents and teachers who are trying to take care of their children or students with autism. In 2015, Japanese Ministry of Education made a survey at the public primary and secondary schools in Japan, and found that there were 14, 189 students with autism.”
“That number is only for the public primary and secondary schools. I don’t have the exact number about how many people are with autism throughout Japan including private school students and adults. But I am sure that parents and teachers are everyday trying to take good care of their children or students with autism.”
The Government of Japan and other organizations have collaborated to care for people with autism, and enforced an act in 2004 to support persons with development disabilities. The government also established supporting centres to assist parents, through conducting seminars on how to care for the people with autism, as well as helping them to get proper jobs in the society and conducting vocational training.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Autism Foundation of Tonga for the collaboration towards this film screening and the support of the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel for the screening.
Attending the Japanese Film Screening Programme, were the World Health Organization Liaison Officer to Tonga, Dr Yutaro Setoya, members of the Autism Foundation of Tonga, parents of the autistic children, teachers and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.