A mission to impact lives

By Ashraf Dabie

US-based Guyanese autism specialist Dr. Sharla Madho-Khargi has embarked on the first phase of her initiative to assess the needs and provide resources for those caring for those who are differently abled.

Following 15 years of working with people with disabilities, Madho-Khargi journeyed home on May 14 to continue an initiative which began during her undergraduate studies.

The clinical psychologist, during her one week visit to Guyana, accumulated data from research conducted at various institutions from across the country, after which she returned to the U.S. to begin the assessment of her findings so as to procure adequate resources and materials aimed at bridging the gap in education and awareness for those persons who are differently abled. At the end of her endeavour, the country will be better equipped to understand the needs of children living with disabilities, and thereby afford them the opportunity to be successfully re-integrated as functioning members of their communities.

During an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the autism specialist pointed out that her research was initiated over six years ago. However, this is the first time she will be working in Guyana, and the experience has left her both excited and scared.

“I am trying to see what I can bring in terms of assistance for parents and caregivers training, skills classes and resources for their education. I want to make sure that it is done the way I feel it in my heart. I started it as a baby project and it has grown into a full-grown adult. I have to make sure that it is settled in a foundation that is strong and will be sustainable for years to come,” she explained.

During her visit, Madho-Khargi will mainly focus on two institutions currently working with children who are differently abled: the Community Based Rehabilitation programme in Port Mourant (Berbice) and the Sorsha Williams Foundation of Autism (Georgetown).

The autism specialist was able to acquire pertinent data, which contributed significantly to her mission. In sharing what she gathered through her experience in Guyana, Madho-Khargi said that “parents are feeling hopeless, teachers have their hands tied, and they need resources and support”.

“There is a lack of training for caregivers and professionals who work within these areas. There is a huge need for assessments from a clinical psychology perspective in terms of diagnosis and identifying where these children are; whether they fit the autism spectrum disorder or whether they carry the psychiatric diagnosis. We need to really identify those areas to be able to create goals and resources to put these programmes in place so that they will serve the community effectively,” she declared.

As such, the alarming information accumulated through her detailed survey allowed the activist to chart her plans for the country, which will be implemented before the end of the year.

Foremost on her agenda is to provide resources that will enable parents, teachers and caregivers to identify, track and diagnose cases of disabilities or mental illnesses. Additionally, methods of communication, daily skills and socialisation will be taught to children diagnosed with these disabilities. The skills training will incorporate the use of picture exchange communication (especially for children with autism), as well as basic everyday activities such as brushing their teeth and tying their shoe laces.

Through the implementation of different concepts such as positive reinforcement and with the use of technology, Madho-Khargi’s hope is that these resources will have positive impact and improve the life of not only those who are differently abled, but their caregivers as well.

However, on a more long-term basis, it is a desire of the autism specialist to establish a school for the differently abled, which would be housed in Berbice. At this institution, medical students from the United States and around the world will journey to Guyana to conduct their internship attachment, thereby ensuring a sustainable programme.

Visiting the Sorsha Williams Foundation, as well as the rehabilitation programme in Berbice, provided a great boost towards this initiative as Madho-Khargi was able to learn about what is currently being done for the differently abled in Guyana and their needs in order for the community to thrive.

“It feels like I am helping, but it is not even touching the surface just yet. This makes me sad, but it also empowers me,” she expressed.

However, Madho-Khargi stated there were high points of her trip, most of which comprised of the positive feedback she received from students who are generally non-responsive. Her ability to connect with the students revealed the potential of her approach once implemented in Guyana, and even shocked the caregivers who were previously unable to communicate with their children.

“It’s beyond challenging for the parent; I cannot begin to imagine what they go through. However, I do know it’s very challenging and overwhelming. There are feelings of hopelessness and it is sad to see a human being feeling defeated,” she disclosed.

The clinical psychologist, realising the strength of her voice, has been using her talents to advocate for the rights of the differently abled. She credits her parents – who were unable to complete their schooling, but made her education a priority – for her motivation to help others.

“My encouragement to parents is to never give up on the one thing you were blessed with. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a child; not everyone has a child with autism or a disability. It is a blessing on so many levels and there is a purpose for you being on that path. There is hope; and more of it is coming soon,” she reassured.