Autism South Africa urges us all embrace autism inclusion
As World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated, experts, educators, and non-profit organisations highlight the importance of appreciating, supporting, and including people on the spectrum.
As the world commemorates World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, experts in Randburg are calling for more than just awareness.
They want the community to truly understand what autism is, and to truly accept and include people on the autism spectrum.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a neurological condition that affects a person’s way of communicating, interacting socially with others, and behaviour. It is a spectrum, meaning not all autistic individuals will behave the same. Some may need a lot of support, while others are independent.
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Kusasalethu Zulu, a teacher for individuals on the spectrum who teaches in Randburg and Sandton, mentioned that one of the misconceptions about autism is that people still believe that autism can be cured. Autism is not an illness, it is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning that an individual develops differently in behavioural and communication areas.
“My message would be to be patient, understanding, and open minded. Children with autism are not ‘less’, they are just different in how they learn and experience the world. As a community, we need to create safe and supportive environments, where they feel accepted and understood.”
Kim Brewis, a speech-language therapist, explained that it is important to move past awareness.
“As we recognise World Autism Awareness Day, it is important to move beyond awareness toward true acceptance and inclusion. This means recognising and respecting differences, and valuing every individual for who they are, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses.”
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Brewis emphasised that many challenges faced by people on the spectrum are environmental and societal in nature, and that cultural perceptions and expectations, including school environments, are not set up to accommodate the individual’s needs.
Autism South Africa (ASA), a non-profit organisation stresses that no one is to blame for an individual having autism. According to ASA research, autism often runs in families, and may be linked to genetics.
A parent may not be autistic themselves, but they may have autistic traits.
Having a sibling or a parent who is autistic may possibly increase the likelihood that a child will also be autistic. Autism is not the fault of mothers or families. Such claims continue a long history of unfairly blaming parents, particularly mothers.
World Autism Awareness Day is a reminder that inclusion begins with understanding. As Zulu puts it: “With the right support, love, and opportunities, children with autism can truly learn, grow, and thrive.”
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