Health dept calls for more help for special needs children
According to the health department, one in 160 children is born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
More care centres for children with special needs should be established, the Gauteng health department (GDoH) said as it commemorated World Autism Day at the weekend.
World Autism Awareness Day is held every April 2.
This year, the health department’s theme was “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts, and policymaking”.
“In my interactions with families of children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy it became clear to me that we need to improve our efforts as government to ensure that the little ones get the best care there is,” said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“This will improve their chances of leading an independent life.”
According to the health department, one in 160 children is born with ASD.
While some people living with ASD can eventually lead independent lives, serious cases require lifelong support and treatment.
“It is very important that we increase the establishment of centres of excellence at our health facilities so that families can be closer to the services and support needed,” Nkomo-Ralehoko continued.
The department currently has 28 operating care centres for children with special needs, each featuring a multidisciplinary approach aimed at assisting at all levels.
In Tshwane, some of these centres of excellence include Jubilee district hospital as well as Stanza Bopape, Kgabo and Eersterust community healthcare centres (CHCs). Laudium, Soshanguve and Cullian are expected to establish their local centres.
CHCs offer the following services physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech and audiology, psychology, social work, pharmacy, medical officers as well as family and dental practitioners.
“The groups meet once a month and are facilitated by rehabilitation teams. Parents are taught about their children’s condition, how to manage them at home, coping skills and stress management. This empowers the parents with skills to make a difference in their children’s lives,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The department was establishing four more centres, it said.
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