City raises awareness about autism
Most families of children with autism continue to be ostracised due to a lack of knowledge.
On Thursday, 4 April, the Department of Social Development in the City of Joburg held an awareness campaign at the Metro Centre to sensitise both staff and the general public to the disorder known as autism.
The campaign was also aimed at encouraging communities to speak out about autism and support families in fighting the myths associated with the complex brain disorder associated with the condition.
Most families of children with autism continue to be ostracised due to a lack of knowledge.
Also Read: What is Autism SA?
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, said it was important for broader society to understand the autism spectrum disorder before attaching labels and reprimanding those with and affected by it.
As a former medical student, Phalatse said they were taught the theory of autism, but had very little practical exposure to the condition. It was then and still remains poorly understood, even by health-care workers. She said it is for this reason that many children with autism remain undiagnosed.
“We have realised that not understanding the educational needs of these children impacts negatively on their learning and development. Diagnosis is therefore crucial, so that these children can be channeled towards programmes that enhance their learning and development, such as those offered by Autism South Africa (ASA). The city is planning to retrain all its health-care workers on autism, including recognising its diagnostic features, and we hope to be able to work with ASA and other stakeholders for the practical component of this training,” said MMC Phalatse.
As drivers of advocacy on behalf of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Social Development continues to embark on various educational programmes that will give support to these families.
The department, in partnership with ASA and iSchoolAfrica, will be hosting a range of activities for the month of April to raise awareness.
ASA national director, Sandra Usswald, said they were delighted to be part of the second annual Autism Awareness campaign.
“Speaking about autism to our local communities, and educating the public about acceptance and appreciation of children and adults with autism really assists us in decreasing the stigma and isolation that our families deal with every day.”
This partnership will include the launch of the ‘iSchoolAfrica Lab’, a programme that aims to offer relevant, customised educational solutions for learners with remedial and special needs. Through a model of technology and facilitation, the programme will enhance the instruction available to teachers and learners in communication, social interaction and numeracy.
“This project will help to move children with autism out of a solitary world by reconnecting them to the real world through technology that will enhance their self-worth”, said the MMC.
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