Every day is an opportunity to learn about Autism
“It is important to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.”
A Menlo Park-based school for learners with autism held several special events in April, which was autism acceptance and awareness month to highlight this developmental disability.
“Every day is an opportunity to learn about autism,” said a speech-language therapist at the Unica school for learners with autism, Ilze Pansegrouw.
“It is important to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.”
The school used each day in April for a variety of activities for the upliftment of the learners while putting a spotlight on hurdles that people with autism and their families might face.
Activities included among others the virtual introduction of learners to individuals with autism who have become internationally known authors, scientists and artists.
Pansegrouw said children with autism should be taught that they may be different, but they are not worthless.
Exposing them to others will remind them of their potential.
“Some of the famous people in history who lived with autism include Albert Einstein as well as Mozart,” she said.
“More recently is singer Susan Boyle who took part in Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Her debut album I dreamed a dream became the UK’s best-selling debut album of all time.”
Pansegrouw said there were other activities, which involved both parents and children, dedicated to embracing the uniqueness of autism and creating awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism.
The end of the awareness month was celebrated on Friday, 29 April.
Activities for the day included chess, a fun quiz for parents, cupcake icing and the release of Unica-labelled, helium-filled, blue balloons to spread the message of autism over Pretoria.
School principal Julie Perumal said although autism awareness month has ended, the school remained dedicated to increasing autism awareness through outreach activities to educate the greater community about the condition.
“The picnic was an opportunity that encouraged social interaction between parents, learners and staff members,” she said.
Pansegrouw encouraged people to make an effort to learn about the condition and provide support to whoever needs it.
She quoted author, Claire Scovell, “Don’t think that there’s a different, better child hiding behind the autism. This is your child. Love the child in front of you. Encourage his strengths, celebrate his quirks and improve his weaknesses the way you would with any child”.
DID YOU KNOW?
– The term stems from the Greek word ‘autos’ meaning ‘self’. Autism means ‘alone’.
– Referring to a person with the condition as ‘autistic’ is politically incorrect. The more politically acceptable expression is “people/or a person with autism”. For example: “Some of the greatest scholars were people with autism.”
– Autism spectrum disorder affects all nationalities, all creeds, all religions, all races and sexes. It doesn’t differentiate or affect only one group
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