The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 World Autism Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Krugersdorp News visited Curamus School for Autism in Rant-en-Dal to spend time with learners and get more insight into autism. Autism, often known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complicated neurological ailment that has a variety of effects on people, including behaviour, social interaction, and communication.
The school’s principal, Michelle van Zyl, said the school caters to learners with autism between the ages of five and 21 years.
“Some learners need high support [a lot of help and intervention] while others may need low support,” said Michelle. She went on to say the school has learners who are on medium to high support needs. Many of them are non-verbal but use alternative forms of communication which they call Alternative Argumentative Communication.
Michelle added the school has no intercoms or ringing bells because the children have sensory integration so these might disturb them and cause them to have a sensory meltdown.
According to findings from the South African Society of Psychiatrists, there are no typical biological or physical symptoms of ASD. Screening and diagnosis are made clinically based on detailed developmental history, behavioural observation, and using specifically designed assessment tools.
Parents are encouraged to consult registered health professionals if they are worried about their child’s behaviour or development.
“Autism is part of our daily life at Curamus. We speak, think, and dream autism,” Michelle concluded.
Speaking to some of the learners at Curamus, Joel Liebenberg, said he was a student at the school and finished in 2022. He is now working at the school as the principal’s assistant.
“Cooking and horse riding was my favourite,” said Joel.
Another learner, Thlogi Nkuna said that he likes the school because he has a lot of fun there and the people at the school are very nice.
To learn more about autism and common characteristics in children with autism, visit www.aut2know.co.za.
