Autism affects all people differently, and the spectrum is wide.
The Middelburg Observer and www.mobserver.co.za partnered with Lume Dei, an autism school that has received land from the council to establish the institution, in order to create awareness and raise much-needed funds.
The school needs the community’s financial backing on the project, culminating in the Light It Up Blue Campaign, in which schools and businesses can support
Lume Dei, by wearing blue on April 1 with a R5 contribution.
More than 70 autistic children stand to benefit from the school.
Noise – Autistic people have sensory issues which could lead to meltdowns. Speak softly and in quiet surroundings.
Obsessions – Autistic people get fixated on tasks, which provide safe, predictable and comforting learning environments.
Persistence – Daily planning, and weekly meetings, are important to provide each autistic person with his or her own unique place of comfort.
Questions – Non-autistic people struggle to understand day-to-day challenges with autism. Questions are welcome but should be impersonal and general in nature.
Routine – Is most vital as predictability and structure help reduce anxiety and stress.
Stimming – Self-stimulatory behaviour like rocking back and forth reduces anxiety, emotion and unwanted stimuli. Not every stim, like headbanging, is safe, but where possible, an autistic person should be left to his own stimming mechanisms.
Time – Autistic brains process information differently, often slower.
Understanding – The world is a very loud, confusing place for an autistic person. A little understanding goes a long way in incorporating autistic people into a normal world.
Vocal – Autistic people use all three categories of communication, namely, non-verbal, pre-verbal and verbally.
Work – Many autistic adults can and should work because with guidance they can become masters of their own arts and skills. Sadly, stereotyping often prevents them from living fulfilled lives.
BoX – Autistic people do not fit in the same box as everyone else.
You – Those working with autistic people often need a time out for themselves, to recharge and to stay positive.
Zzzz’s – Autistic people struggle to catch zzzz’s (sleep) because their brains are in overdrive with no off switch. Blackout curtains, sensory lights and soft music may reduce brain activity by helping autistic people to focus on one thing.
For more information on how to support Lume Dei, contact Leilanie Rossouw on 084 503 1863.
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