To support a fellow learner with autism, learners from Drakensig Primary School participated in an
event to create awareness on the condition last Friday for Autism Awareness Month.
Leander Wolmarans, or ‘Vark’ as he calls himself, marched onto the Drakensig Primary School’s stage
with the school’s leaders and his classmates in support of their autistic fellow learner.

“Being autistic means Leander’s brain is wired completely different to a normal functioning child,” said
his his mother, Thina Wolmarans, a teacher at Drakensig Primary School during a talk on how ‘Vark’
experiences daily life and how he has to cope with autism. “He perceives most stimuli and
experiences in his own unique way. “Simple things such as crowds, lights or too much noise can have a
major effect on him.

Also read: Join S’phelele for high tea with purposeful women

“He also copes with the stimuli and experiences in his own way.” However, his parents, Thehan and
Thina, his teacher Magda Weyers, as well as his classmates, fellow learners and Drakie staff support him in the best way they can. Thina has also started an initiative to raise funds on behalf of the school
in support of autism awareness where learners can buy a sticker to wear daily to show their support.

All the funds raised will be donated to Autism South Africa. Support autism awareness this
month by wearing blue. For more information pay a to visit Autism South Africa’s website at www.aut2know. co.za or visit their social media on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.