Astrid Pérez pledges the “commitment” and “understanding” of Parliament and acknowledges that the service network in the Canary Islands is “lacking”.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 18 February (Europa Press) –
María Luis, a representative from Aspercan (Asperger-Tea Canary Islands Association), cautioned this Tuesday about the “social neglect” experienced by individuals with Asperger’s syndrome, which “exposes them to potential deception, fraud, extortion, and various forms of abuse”.
While reading the Manifesto of Asperger Spain in the Parliament of the Canary Islands to mark the International Day, she asserted the need for specific quotas for access to public employment and emphasised that associations providing resources and therapies should receive “stable” funding rather than relying on grants that require them to compete.
She urged to move beyond the “nicer and stereotyped” perception of individuals with Asperger, indicating that they possess “such remarkable yet contradictory” abilities, and that both their “cognitive rigidity” and their capacity to engage with topics of interest “can be effectively channelled in the workplace with appropriate psychosocial support from childhood into adulthood.”
The manifesto expressed concern over the “insufficient and unequal” provision of programmes and resources by autonomous communities and highlighted the “high levels of emotional strain, anxiety, and distress” experienced, which adversely affects their “well-being and quality of life.”
Luis underscored the “astounding rates of bullying, misunderstanding in the workplace, and a concerning suicide rate” among individuals with Asperger, noting that 84% of people with Asperger face bullying.
“It is imperative to update protocols and legislation to eradicate the scourge of bullying, including the obligation for curricular adaptations at all educational levels to ensure an inclusive environment.”
Moreover, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts can surpass one-third — 34.2% — of the population, with plans for suicide at 21.9% and suicidal actions at 24.3%.
She also highlighted that individuals with Asperger remain unemployed, despite possessing vocational and higher education, making it crucial to review and modernise protocols and access to the national health service for individuals within the autistic spectrum.
Almost 5,500 students in the Canary Islands, a 112% increase over eight years
The president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Astrid Pérez, commended Aspercan on its twentieth anniversary and for its “tireless” efforts to enhance services and support for individuals with Asperger and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
She elaborated that in the Canary Islands, one in 100 individuals has autism spectrum disorder, and this academic year, there are 5,464 diagnosed students, a remarkable 112% increase compared to eight years ago.
“This is undoubtedly positive; likely not because there are more individuals, but because diagnoses are more prevalent, and the process of diagnosis is more efficient, which is a societal advancement,” she explained.
The president of the Chamber advocated for the “commitment, understanding, and visibility” of Parliament, recognising that services “continue to be lacking” and that the private contributions from associates are insufficient to support all necessary resources.
Thus, she insisted on promoting “public-private collaboration” and that all public administrations exhibit “greater sensitivity” and enhance their support.
“We shall work collectively towards a much more inclusive society in the Canary Islands and improve service provision for all of you, who are ultimately the most vulnerable in society and require the most assistance,” she asserted.
