Support for young adults on autism spectrum
The group is comprised of young adults with ASD and was started due to the lack of services and support currently available for this age group in the greater Durban area.
A LACK of services and support for young adults who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) sparked the creation of a new group in the Durban area.
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.
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Spectrum ConNEXTions was started by Breakthrough Interventions, South Africa, an organisation which provides 1:1 therapy and school support for children with autism.
The director of Breakthrough Interventions, Caz Collins who is a behavioural therapist and mother of an adult son with autism, saw the need for such a group once her son matriculated.
“There is a huge gap in support for young adults on the spectrum, especially in finding work or pursuing skill development after school. The group also provides opportunities for young adults with ASD to meet others on the spectrum and form friendships with those who have similar special interests,” said Collins. Hillcrest resident, Teigan Nyman (21) who is part of the group said he loves meeting other young adults on the spectrum.
“It is hugely important to have groups like this. Most of us can talk for hours and hours about movies, comics, anime and games. I never get tired of the fantasy world. I prefer the fantasy world to the real world,” he said.
Apart from sharing their fantasies, Teigan said the formation of this group has boosted his confidence to find out that there are other young adults just like him, who also live at home with either both or one of their parents and face similar difficulties to him.
Journey after diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Teigan was diagnosed with autism at the age of six. As a three-year-old, Teigan attended a mainstream pre-primary school. Difficulties became apparent after a few months. Teigan was assessed by an educational psychologist and a paediatrician.
It was recommended that he attend a remedial pre-primary school. Teigan attended Kingfisher Pre-Primary School, now called Birdwood, (based at the Children’s Assessment and Therapy Centre in Sherwood) for two years.
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Teigan attended Livingstone Pre-Primary School for one year and then transferred to the Browns’ School, for nine years. Browns’ caters for children with special needs on a long-term basis. All of the schools that Teigan attended were excellent educational institutions with committed, specialist teachers and experienced therapists.
As a high functioning young adult on the spectrum, Teigan said he has found that people find it difficult to accept that he has a disability as he looks normal.
“I am very knowledgeable on my favourite subject; movies, superheroes and science fiction.
“If you’ve seen The Big Bang Theory, I’m Sheldon, and if you’ve seen Ghostbusters, I’m Ray Stantz!,” he said.
Apart from Teigan’s all-encompassing interest in movies, comics and superheroes, he also loves dogs. His grandparents bought him a puppy of his own this year (a Chihuahua named Gemma). He also used to volunteer at the Kloof SPCA as a dog walker, before lockdown.
His mother, Cheryl said as a parent of a child with autism, the biggest challenge she faced, was trying to understand Teigan’s condition, which manifested around age three and was only diagnosed towards the end of his sixth year.
“Doctors later explained that the diagnosis is done by exclusion, and is only formally labelled when the analysis has been concluded, and all other possibilities have been ruled out.
When asked to share a message of encouragement to parents of children with ASD, Cheryl proudly said, she would share the same words for parents with children on the spectrum as she would give to parents of neurotypical children.
“It is important to not neglect your own relationships with your friends and family and your spouse, if you have one. Individuals who are physically healthy and emotionally balanced are in a better position to parent and nurture their children from a position of stability, strength, consistency and positivity. They are also less likely to suffer from caregiver fatigue and burnout,” she said.
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Director of Breakthrough Interventions appealed to business owners to look past the label of autism and consider placement of young adults with ASD into their work force.
“People with ASD often have skills in the areas of art, IT, or writing and have strong visual memory skills, however finding work is difficult due to the social challenges which come with the condition, often making interviews difficult.
People wanting to join the group can contact Breakthrough Interventions on 0603879470 or infobtisa@gmail.com.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
