The Autism Advisory Council has strongly condemned statements made on social media recently, labelling children on the autism spectrum as ‘dangerous’ and more, and advocating their segregation. 

Such statements are not only hurtful when made in respect of any human being, and to those near and dear to them, but are also abusive and insulting, the Council said in a statement on Friday. 

“The Council believes that legal protections should be availed of, to make sure that every person can feel safe, from direct attacks and from possible ripple effects,” it said. 

The Council noted how Malta took the bold step of extending hate crimes protection to include disability and age in 2021. 

It said that any person whose actions are intended to stir up hatred again a group, or whose actions are merely likely to lead to such hatred, is breaking the law and commended the action taken by the CRPD, to formally lodge a report with the Police in this respect. 

“On the other hand, statements and reports alone are not enough. Maltese society has made great leaps and bounds when it comes to awareness, acceptance and inclusion in respect of autism. But much ground still has to be covered. This was the reason Government adopted a National Autism Strategy formulated by Council last year. Now, following finalisation of an Implementation Plan, it is important to use this key tool, to liaise with all relevant stakeholders, and reach out to society at large, to make sure that underlying real issues are addressed,” the Council added. 

“Education is key. While vile hatred needs to be nipped in the bud, the basis of people’s beliefs needs to be challenged and addressed, to ensure that inclusion is addressed holistically, further to a sustainable and longer-term plan.”