Developing and improving services to enable smooth transition to adulthood for young persons with autism: The case of NORTEY QUAYNOR

Diagnosed with autism from the age of two, Nortey has seen tremendous growth through the years till now. Being the only person diagnosed with autism in his family, Nortey's journey hasn't been an easy one. This needed the supported services of his family... A child's first society is their immediate family.It is therefore imperative that families come to terms with their child’s autism and make a bold statement in the larger society. This will ensure that they are afforded the environment to thrive in.

Diagnosed with autism from the age of two, Nortey has seen tremendous growth through the years till now. Being the only person diagnosed with autism in his family, Nortey's journey hasn't been an easy one. This needed the supported services of his family... A child's first society is their immediate family.It is therefore imperative that families come to terms with their child’s autism and make a bold statement in the larger society. This will ensure that they are afforded the environment to thrive in. His mother Mrs. Serwah Quaynor, founded the Autism Awareness Care and Training 22 years ago, to support her son and other children and families affected by autism. Nortey has received the best support services available and it's evident in his journey of growth.

Nortey Quaynor has gone from being able to master his daily Independent Living Skills(ILS) and has mastered some academics(i.e, reading, writing, some arithmetic and data entry). He helps with chores at home and at the centre. He does data entry at the centre and works at a printing press and Inclusion Ghana as a data entry personnel. As an individual,he loves shopping and his outdoor times at Nortey is used to routine and operates better with that. The current lock-down necessitated by Covid19 pandemic has affected this routine and this is not different from other persons with autism. It is for this reason that support services need to be improved to help them through a difficult time like this. Possibilities like Nortey abound if Families, society, groups, individuals, private and state organizations will help contribute to the discussions to improve services for the smooth transition of children with autism into adulthood.