SA marks global autism day
The department has invested more resources to build schools for children living with autism.
In celebration of autism month, the Gauteng education department vowed to invest more resources into advancing people living with the disorder.
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi launched autism month at the CSIR international convention centre on Tuesday.
Autism awareness month is dedicated to educating and communities about the condition.
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The department said it has invested resources to build more schools for children living with autism as well as using technology in the autism sector.
“Leaners with special needs cannot be treated as third-class citizens, they deserve the best. As such they must be treated the same as other learners; hence, we have invested sufficient resources to build more schools for them,” he said.
“The school waiting period for learners with special needs was reduced from five years to about six months, which is still unacceptable.”
In 2015, Lesufi said the province had only one autism unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
This has improved significantly with about 13 autism units at different schools today.
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He said autism month was a chance to spread awareness about the condition in schools while promoting inclusion and acceptance in the classroom.
“Today’s event was aimed at raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder, its effect on learners, and how to support parents and their autistic children. Such programs will be facilitated throughout April in Gauteng.
Among the dignitaries at the event were parents whose children live with autism who gladly shared their experiences with the audience.
World autism awareness day is celebrated annually on 2 April.
Organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
Gauteng education Head of department Edward Mosuwe
Mr Pienaar represented parents of children living with autism.
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