April is World Autism Awareness Month.
In light of this, the Inam Autism Advocacy Group hosted a training session for teachers at Ecaleni Primary School in Thembisa on April 17 on how to better engage and interact with learners with autism and to also provide information on available therapy interventions.
Autism is a dynamic condition in brain development marked by problems with social interaction and speech, and it has had enough of an effect on the public health environment to warrant its own day and month, which is observed by families, schools and businesses around the world.
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Vezi and Khulani Silwanyana, Verna Hlabangana and Andy Gobingca founded the Inam Autism Advocacy Group. Vezi and Khulani have an 18-month-old son named Inam, who was diagnosed with autism.
Their journey and discoveries sparked a desire to help with autism care and awareness in South Africa.
Vezi states that World Autism Day is an excellent opportunity to promote inclusion in schools, as well as to cultivate and teach the value of community and acceptance of differences among learners.
“The lack of autism government schools is a big challenge. Government can assist the autism community by increasing capacity in terms of schools and teachers.
“We would like to leave a legacy where children with autism are accepted in communities, are treated with the dignity they deserve, inclusion in society and within the educational system. Communities can assist us by accepting, being open to understand and learn the challenges of children and adults with autism.
“The message of Autism Awareness Month is that it is important to be a part of a group. Use April to foster inclusivity in your classrooms, and provide opportunities for learners with special needs to participate in their larger community while also teaching their peers some very important lessons,” said Silwanyana.
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