Learning more about Autism
Using their grandson as an example, the Hess family held an Autism awareness session.
The Hess family held a thanksgiving dinner for their family and friends at the Maraisburg Bowling Club to raise awareness of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
They also used the day to celebrate the life of their grandson Mason Mclaughlin, who is four-years-old and was diagnosed with Autism.
ASD and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.
These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Leading the sessions on Autism was Educational Psychologist Celeste Wolfensberger who explained what the disorder is about.
“Autism is very misunderstood in our communities so we want to use today to create awareness about it. There are high and low functioning people with Autism. If we give them enough support, they can go on to lead successful lives,” said Wolfensberger.
Mason is currently in the United Kingdom with his parents where he is getting the medical attention he needs.
Wolfensberger said there is still more South Africa can do to help people with Autism.
“Early diagnosis is very important because it assists the doctors and family in providing adequate support. Providing more childhood programmes which help link the tools used at school to those at used at home. Mason has progressed immensely. He is now seeking more social interaction and can verbalise himself better,” she said.
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