AS April and Autism Awareness Month draws to a close, 25-year-old Kayla Vlok from The Bluff is using her voice and journey to dispel misconceptions concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and hopes to inspire to embrace their uniqueness.

Also read: Love without limits on the spectrum

Questioning identity

At the age of 17, Vlok was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is a developmental and neurobiological disorder that is characterised by significant social challenges, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. 

“For years, I felt different in school and in social situations before my diagnosis. The diagnosis offered a crucial understanding of myself and clarified why I perceived the world in my particular way,” said Vlok. 

Overcoming challenges

Vlok’s experiences did not come without its difficulties, especially within the professional settings and trying to find jobs.

“Challenges include the complexities of navigating typical office politics, the demands of casual conversation, and the overwhelming nature of sensory stimuli, such as the excessive lights and noise often found in open-plan workspaces,” said Vlok. 

Also read: All about autism in children

She added that people often assume we are inflexible or antisocial, but that is not accurate. “Our notable strengths, such as an intense capacity for focus and a meticulous attention to detail, frequently go unacknowledged,” she said.

Making her mark

Despite these challenges, Vlok has maintained a persistent determination to establish her place within the world. As a child, she envisioned a future as an ethologist or a neuropsychologist, careers that would permit her to study behavioural patterns and interactions without the constant demands of social engagement.

“These jobs would allow me to learn more about general interaction between beings since I have always felt a bit unique and not clued up on what is considered “Normal behaviour”, this has always fascinated me,” said Vlok. 

A true calling

However, there was another calling on Vlok’s life and now she is actively transforming what might be seen as obstacles into personal advantages. Currently, she is a part of a Home-Based Care Worker course offered by the Mediskills Healthcare Foundation. This particular career choice emerged from a deeply personal experience.

“Helping my mother, Karen Vlok, during her illness sparked it, care work lets me use my patience and detail-orientation for real good, it provides a structured environment that suits me. I am able to make someone else’s life a little easier and assist them in keeping their dignity and independence during what could be one of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Vlok. 

Also read: Autism Awareness Month shines through seminar

She described the profession of caregiving as both fulfilling and exacting. While the emotional aspects can present significant challenges, she said that the experience has contributed substantially to her personal and professional development.

“There is an immense satisfaction when patients genuinely feel cared for and valued, particularly when they succeed in overcoming something that previously caused them to question their abilities,” she said. “That sensation is quite extraordinary.”

Having personally navigated both the inherent challenges and distinct advantages of living with ASD, Vlok said she hopes her narrative will inspire others to accept their authentic selves.

Being who you are

“Embrace your wiring, your intensity and honesty are gifts. Find your niche, ask for what you need, and prove the doubters wrong. The world needs your unique view,” said Vlok.

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