A Cameroonian family based in the United States whose child overcame the challenges of autism, has launched a centre in Kumba to provide care and support for children with autism and support needs.
Named the Patrick Centre for Children with Autism and Special Needs, the facility was officially unveiled on Friday, December 20, in Kumba, Meme Division, in Cameroon’s Southwest Region. The inauguration coincided with a Christmas party celebration for the centre’s first group of pupils.
During the event, the founder, Ayukmanyi Ayuk Tanyi, shared his family’s journey with autism, recounting how their son Patrick battled the condition and ultimately thrived.
“Autism Is Not Witchcraft”
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially. Speaking to parents, government officials, and traditional leaders present at the event, Ayukmanyi emphasized that autism requires love and care rather than fear or stigma.
Their son, Patrick, was diagnosed with autism before the age of two.
“Patrick was born a normal child. But when he was reaching 15 weeks, we started observing signs in his behavioral pattern,” Ayukmanyi shared.
Despite facing discouragement from some members of the Cameroonian community in the United States—who attributed Patrick’s condition to witchcraft or family curses—the family chose to follow medical advice.
Ayukmanyi explained that Patrick’s recovery was achieved without medication.
“It was just therapy, care, attention, and love,” he said, debunking common myths surrounding autism.
Inspired to Help Children Back Home
When Patrick’s condition improved, the family remembered similar cases in Cameroon, where autism is often misunderstood and attributed to supernatural causes.
“Many children in Cameroon are wrongly thought to be possessed or labeled as witches because they struggle to communicate or behave differently,” Ayukmanyi said.
This inspired the family to create a center in Kumba to provide therapy and support for children with autism.
Located at the Rising Star entrance, just after Buea Park, the Patrick Centre offers a range of programs to help children learn, play, write, identify objects, and improve communication skills.
Parents Express Gratitude
Etchu Thomas, one of the parents whose child is enrolled at the Patrick Centre, expressed his appreciation for the initiative.
“It has not been easy with my daughter from the age of one to five,” Thomas said.
After witnessing his daughter’s progress, particularly in social interactions, he was overwhelmed.
“Today we are so happy because they are taking care of her. We have noticed some improvement, especially in her interaction with other children,” he added.
Support from Local Authorities
The launch of the centre was attended by key officials, including the 1st Deputy Mayor of Kumba III Council, the Regional Delegate of Social Affairs for Meme, and the Inspector of Basic Education.
These officials praised Ayukmanyi and his family for their efforts to address autism in Cameroon.
The Divisional Delegate of Social Affairs urged parents of children with autism to seek help at the centre, assuring them that her office would help spread awareness.
“We know many such children are living within our communities, and this centre will provide them with much-needed support,” she said.
The Deputy Mayor noted that the centre’s programs would help children transition into functional schools, ensuring their continued development.
“The centre has come to stay, and we will publicise it,” he promised.
Parents were reminded that autism does not define a child’s potential and were encouraged to approach the condition with hope and understanding.
