Tamarisk Autism School commemorates World Autism Awareness Day

Tamarisk Autism School in South Hills commemorated World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The day celebrates individuals with autism and their families. Even gloomy weather couldn’t deter the spirit of the school officials and parents who attended the event.

In welcoming the parents and Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) officials, principal Nomusa Vezi elaborated on the school’s history.

“The school was first opened as a crèche in 1964. In 2018, it was converted to Tamarisk Special School for Autism. Then we had 33 learners and six teachers. Today, we are proud to have 73 learners (although we are supposed to have 60) and 10 teachers. The school is functioning well.

“All parents want to bring their children here. GDE also blessed us with two buses for learners to be transported to and from school. The school has nine classes and is at full capacity. We have professional staff to look after the children,” she said.

Yalande Buthelezi, acting HOD, spoke about the support the parents need to give the school.

“Families must remember they are the first educators of the learners. We need to work together. What we do here at school needs to continue at home so that there will be continuity. The goals we set when we do an individual support plan (ISP) are important. Parents need to be involved in the decision we make at school.

“Effective communication is important. Also, parents need to participate in school, not only volunteering but also coming to school and helping where you can,” she said.

District official Nomthandazo Buthelezi said children need to be helped in transitioning.

“We need to have a plan for them because they become used to their teachers and peers. However, we need to work together as families, communities and schools for smooth transition. This makes it easy for a child to thrive. Relationships are important. We have a small school and everyone wants to come here. You are lucky to have space here,” she said.

One of the parents who has been a social worker for 25 years said she knows her son is troublesome at home; however, at school he is doing well.

“I thank the school for its effort. Autistic children are intelligent, so parents, do not despair. We must fight for them as they are gifted. Remember, autism is a spectrum and it can always develop. It is a developmental disability. My child was diagnosed at 16 months. We need to love and accept that our children are diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis is important.

“Do not postpone it, saying there was someone in the family with the same condition. Also, remember there is a clinic at South Rand Hospital where children can attend,” explained Nolubabalo Dlisani.

There were also supporting speeches from Dineo Makeneke from Mothers of Children with Autism (MOCWA), Jackie Selley (occupational therapist from Makaton) and Nkululo Matthews (IDSO), who emphasised: “We need to love our children.”