Turkish parliamentary panel to discuss problems people with Down syndrome, autism face
ANKARA
Turkey’s parliament on Nov. 6 agreed to set up a special investigation commission that will try to find solutions to the problems people with autism and Down syndrome and their families face.
Five parties represented in parliament submitted a motion regarding the issue that was put to a vote in the general assembly.
The lawmakers passed the motion to set up a special parliamentary investigation commission.
The commission will investigate development disorders related to Down syndrome and autism. It will also seek ways to help them and their families overcome problems they face.
During a discussion at the general assembly lawmakers from different parties shared their personal experiences.
Vildan Yılmaz Gürel from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) burst into tears when she told the story of her daughter who became disabled after a seizure. She said her daughter stayed in intensive care unit for two months and her daughter is now not able to talk and walk and is bedridden.
“I share the same fate with parents whose children need special care and education. Those are our children. They remain as our babies; they are our bliss,” she said.
Çetin Arık from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) said he has a child with autism.
“One in every 58 children has autism, and researches suggest that every other child will have autism in 2023,” Arık noted.
Some 550,000 people are believed to have autism in Turkey, said Mahir Polat, a lawmaker from the CHP.
