Misconceptions about autism are still rife in South Africa, and research has only recently provided answers to many of the questions about this condition.
This is according to Kathy Jooste, the chief executive officer of the Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped.
“World Autism Day, now in its seventh year, is celebrated annually on April 2, and is essential in highlighting the disorder and encouraging early diagnosis and intervention,” she said.
Having cared for the intellectually challenged for the past 44 years, some of whom have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the Avril Elizabeth Home is well-versed in the special needs of people with the disorder.
Jooste said that each person with ASD is unique, as is his or her type of autism, and the home treats each one of them according to his or her individual needs.
The home works closely with Autism South Africa in treating ASD, especially in respect of challenging cases.
“Research shows that there is no one cause or type of autism, and it is believed to occur in very early brain development, with most signs and symptoms emerging only when a child is between two and three years old.
“In addition, from information received from Autism South Africa, autism seems to be more prevalent in boys than girls,” Jooste said.
The disorder affects people in varying degrees, in what is termed the “Quadrant of Impairments” that causes a disturbance in the language and communication, social interaction, imagination and creative play or sensory perceptions.
“We have had many residents with ASD at our home,” Jooste said.
“Some have been sent to us as a last resort, as no one else knew how to handle them.
“Using our Snoezelen Room and stimulation centre, and with the help of our well-trained staff, we assess their needs and work with them carefully and slowly – you cannot rush their progress and care.
“Lighting effects, colour, sounds, music, materials and scents are slowly introduced to stimulate the various senses, helping them to calm down and providing them with a safe, soothing environment.
“Every day we realise how important our stimulation centre and Snoezelen Room are, when we see improvement in a person who reacts positively to something he or she touches or hears, following the many hours in the room with therapy, especially after knowing that they were oversensitive to it before.
“It is costly to run a programme such as this and we always need assistance.
“Any donation towards these costs would be greatly appreciated.”
According to Autism South Africa, people should be aware of the following signs and, if they are encountered, should ask their family doctor or paediatrician for a referral to a developmental paediatrician for assessment:
- Communication signs:
- No babbling by 11 months of age.
- No simple gestures by 12 months of age, for example waving bye-bye.
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word phrases by 24 months, for example, “baby sleeping”.
- No response when name is called, and loss of any language or social skills at any age.
- Behaviour signs:
- Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands.
- Over-sensitivity to certain textures, sounds or lights.
- Lack of interest in toys or plays with them in an unusual way, for example opening and closing parts rather than playing with the toy as a whole.
- Compulsions or rituals, for example, the child has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence and is prone to a tantrum if that ritual is interrupted.
- Preoccupation with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, wheels and unusual fears.
- Social signs:
- Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people.
- Doesn’t play things like peek-a-boo.
- Does not point to show things in which he or she is interested, and rarely smiles.
To find out more about the Avril Elizabeth Home, or how to donate, go to www.avril.org.za or contact 011 822-2233.
