Acceptance equals inclusivity, says Durban North organisation

“IT’S not only awareness that needs to be spread when it comes to autism; acceptance needs to happen, too,” says Action in Autism director Nadia Bhayat.

She sees no better time for this movement to start than during Autism Acceptance Month this April – if you haven’t started already.

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“I am glad to see that people and organisations have started to move away from calling the month Autism Awareness Month because the truth is that there is ample awareness – we need people to be more accepting of autistic people,” she said.

Bhayat said the best way to do that was to start from the ground up and not the other way around, meaning that holding mass conferences and addressing a crowd may not always be as effective as one-on-one communication taking place in a community or network.

“It’s as simple as going up to a parent of an autistic child and asking her what you can do to help without any judgement. Ask appropriate questions and learn about autism. That’s where we need to start if we want to see change,” she said.

Sadly, she said, in certain communities, awareness is still needed as having an autistic child is perceived the wrong way.

“In this day and age, with an abundance of information at our fingertips, coupled with the vigorous campaigns autism organisations are constantly doing, some still consider an autistic child to be demon-possessed or they think it’s a disease and the child needs to be cured. Therefore, that child is kept locked away from society and never integrates and blends in with others. We have to be more accepting so autistic people can go on to live fulfilling lives,” she said.

“The business sector also has a role to play in the acceptance of autistic people by being open to employing them, and not only for the BEE points,” says Bhayat.

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“We have skilled students who will thrive in a working environment if a business is able to meet them halfway. We have made progress in the last year as two of our students have been employed at a hotel in uMhlanga. We need more businesses like this. We provide all the training for staff and the support the business and students may need. Acceptance equals inclusivity, and that’s all we’re asking for,” she said.

She advised people to lead with kindness and not judgement.

To create awareness and encourage acceptance, Action in Autism students and facilitators will hold a demonstration at the corner of Blackburn Road and Umhlanga Rocks Drive with placards from 07:00 to 08:15.

“If you’re driving by, please hoot and shout to show your support, or better yet, join in,” she added.

The organisation is also holding a high-tea fundraiser on Friday, April 26, from 10:30 to 12:00 at their premises in Park Hill, Durban North.

To book, email AiADirector@actioninautism.org.za.

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