Family of autistic girl denied visa facing 'dehumanising' experience – Green MP
Quote:
An Auckland family whose autistic daughter has been denied a visa face a “dehumanising” experience as they continue their battle with immigration authorities, a Green MP says.
Micaela Galvao, 10, was diagnosed with moderate autism at the age of 3 while living in her home country of Brazil.
The Galvao family arrived in New Zealand about four years ago after leaving the “violent” city of Rio de Janeiro
Micaela attends a regular school and doesn’t currently require additional support from the Ministry of Education.
But when the Takapuna family applied for work to residence visas in 2020, Micaela’s autism raised a red flag.
Despite letters of support from a child and adolescent psychiatrist and her principal, the cost she may put on the health system is considered too great, and she was denied a visa.
Currently, she is expected to leave New Zealand at the beginning of 2022.
Ricardo Menendez-March, the Green Party’s immigration spokesman, is helping the Galvao family with their plight.
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“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”
Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
10 Aug 2021, 8:19 am
