Besufekad is a shy, yet active four year old who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Until recently, Besufekad was unable to speak or do anything for himself. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life.
Studies estimate that nearly one third of people with autism also have epilepsy. This is the case with Besufekad as he has been suffering with seizures. His parents have been trying to work with him and he is now able to feed himself and call out for them but it has always been a struggle as they don’t understand his order or how to get through to him.
It took his parents many, many months but eventually they saved up the money to take him to a local doctor who diagnosed him with autism and epilepsy and told them that with proper care and medication, his health could improve. Unfortunately, they cannot afford to continue to take him to the doctor and provide that medicine and care.
Besufekad is an only child living with his parents and is often seen running around wearing only a t-shirt. Both of Besufekad’s parents work as hard as they can for their family but it’s never enough. His mother sells berbere, a spice, at the local market and his father works full time as a guard. Between the two of them, they make around 700 birr a month or $35 USD. Almost half of this, $15 USD, goes to pay their rent. While his parents are working during the day, Besufekad’s eight year old cousin is his primary care giver and other adults on their compound periodically check in on them.
Besufekad is a very active child and he has trouble concentrating on things for an extended period of time – he has a short attention span. He knows who his parents are and is able to communicate with them pretty effectively. He is comfortable around his cousin and his close neighbors but he becomes very shy and closed off when anyone he does not recognize is around. He will not play with or acknowledge any guests.
While there is no cure for autism, the appropriate treatment and education has seen many children with autism spectrum disorder learn and develop. Early intervention often can reduce challenges associated with autism, lessen disruptive behavior, and provide some degree of independence.
Besufekad is in desperate need of a sponsor so he can join the BCI program and begin receiving grain support and treatment – which will consist of therapy and medication. Besufekad is also urgently in need of clothes and a bed. The family’s small home contains one small mattress on the floor that the three of them share. To provide Besufekad with a new bed and clothes, we need $440.
Can you or someone you know step up and offer this precious boy some treatment for his disorder through a sponsorship? Do you know someone you can share this need with?
Perhaps you are able to make a one-time donation towards providing Besufekad a bed of his own or some clothes?
Please help us get this need out so Besufekad can begin receiving treatment!
You can make a one-time donation or sign up for a sponsorship online, via phone or mail.
Online | www.blessingthechildren.org
Phone | 989.667.8850
Mail | Blessing the Children, 2265 Fraser Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631
Blessing the Children International 