ACTION in Autism has expanded and it’s probably the news most parents of young autistic children have been waiting for.

After seeing and knowing there was a dire need for a school to provide a Grade R class for autistic children, Action in Autism decided to start catering to that need.

This year, the school opened its first Grade R class for children between the ages of five and seven years.
Nadia Bhayat, director of the non-profit organisation, said the the curriculum is aligned with the Department of Basic Education.

“At the moment, classes cater for existing learners of the school. So once they’ve completed pre-primary, they’re now able to complete Grade R here instead of going into a mainstream school or into a special needs school that caters for a variety of learners and not just specifically learners with neuro-divergent needs,” she said.

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“We’ve ways known that there is a huge need for a junior primary facility for autistic children. Here we offer all the support and therapy to our learners and their parents as it is a huge adjustment for everyone involved,” Bhayat added.

Before opening the Grade R class, Action in Autism catered for younger children up until Grade RR. They also have the Shahumna Centre which is a skills development hub for teen and adult autistics wanting to learn various skills.

“You see, there is a gap that we need to bridge so we’ve started with a Grade R class. We’re hoping it will grow over time,” she added.

She said one of the main challenges children with learning disabilities face in mainstream schooling is bullying.
“Autistic learners don’t have the discernment to know when someone is being nasty to them so this can go on for years, causing great damage to the learner. Our aim is to provide an environment where an autistic child is accepted, loved and supported,” she said.

Currently there are 16 Grade R learners divided into two classes.

“They will grow into Grade 1 eventually. We offer music and yoga and other classes. Early intervention is key. We encourage parents who are trying to navigate autism to come in and get help from us. We offer free diagnostic services from a paediatric neurologist to those who can’t afford it. We still have some places for Grade R, but work on a first come first served basis,” said Bhayat.

For more information contact Action in Autism on 031 563 3039.

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