Bujumbura, Burundi — In Burundi, a country where autism is still largely misunderstood and many autistic children are hidden away, the Talitha Koum centre is making strides in transforming perceptions and providing crucial support.
Named after the Hebrew phrase meaning 'Get up and walk,' the center not only offers specialized care but also works to educate the community and support families dealing with autism.
Alice, a local mother of three, including one autistic child, speaks about the challenges and the societal stigma that often leads parents to hide their autistic children. "Few parents understand this, it takes patience and courage.
Some parents get discouraged and hide their children, hiring people to look after them in their bedrooms," she explains. However, places like Talitha Koum offer a beacon of hope and support for parents like her.
The centre's coordinator, Jeanne d'Arc Nduwiyingoma, outlines its threefold mission: "It's about care adapted to the child. The second objective is to support families, and the third is to raise awareness throughout the child's environment." These efforts aim to foster better understanding and integration of autistic children within their communities.
Dr. Mélissa Ingabire from the Sensory Integration Department emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, which is not common practice in many parts of Burundi.
"Early diagnosis really plays an essential role in the management of autism, first and foremost for the children concerned. It enables them to benefit from early and appropriate care, which will improve their skills," she says.
The center recently gained additional exposure and support through a unique initiative—a race organized by the Zinduka Club's cyclists from Bujumbura to Kigali, Rwanda.
This event aimed to raise public awareness about autism and gather funds to support Talitha Koum's ongoing efforts.
Since its inception in 2020, the Talitha Koum centre has screened around 200 children, with approximately 20 currently receiving care at the facility.
Through its dedicated work, Talitha Koum aspires to become a center of excellence on autism in the region, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding of the disorder.
