Support Durban autism awareness event
April is Autism Awareness Month worldwide the public is urged to support a virtual walk/run which will be hosted on Saturday, 17 April. Funds raised will go towards sponsorship of therapy for low income families.
IN celebration of Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, the Blue And You Autism NPO will host a virtual walk/ run on Saturday,17 April.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the NPO will be unable to host their live event which attracted more than 1000 people in the past and have opted for a virtual event as they did last year.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviours. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person.
Kloof resident, Cayla Sewell appealed to the public to support this fundraiser and feels it’s vital to raise awareness on ASD.
Raising a child with autism, Sewell said it has been a long journey with a lot of deep sighs, patience and tough skin to handle the judgment from others.
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“Many parents who have children on the spectrum do not realise how many children are actually on the spectrum. They can get support or advice on how to help their child progress or how they as parents handle certain situations. Something simple like going to the shop with a child who has ASD is no easy task.
“If more people or families were aware that they were not alone, it would make a big difference. Parents who have children with ASD do not need to keep them at home because they are different,” said Sewell.
She said people do not understand, children with ASD are normal but just think differently and have extra obstacles to overcome.
“I also believe awareness should be created about ASD even to people who have neurotypical kids because at times if your child is having a melt down and gets aggressive people stare and think your child is being naughty and whisper judgements under their breath,” she added.
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Sewell’s son, is now seven years old and is in Grade one at a mainstream school.
The event will start at 8am and finish at 3pm. Participants can choose between a 3km, 5km and 8km to walk, ride, run or move for autism.
To enter, visit evnettiming https://www.eventtiming.info/events.php. There will be prizes for the top athletes as well as for the best homemade banner and for the person best dressed in blue.
Participants can pick up their shirts from Musgrave centre on Saturday, 10 April between 10am and 3pm.
Funds raised go towards sponsorship of therapy for low income families. This event is sponsored by Musgrave centre, Hollywoodbets and T and T running club.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
