Matshediso celebrates Autism Awareness Day with parents
Autism is a group of complex neurodevelopmental disabilities. This means that an autistic person’s brain develops differently from a person who is not autistic.
The Matshediso LSEN School celebrated Autism Awareness Day on May 9.
This annual celebration hopes to develop and broaden public knowledge about people who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Occupational therapist Samkelisiwe Mthethwa said autism is a genetic disorder. A parent may not be autistic but might have autistic characteristics or traits without realising it.
“The inability to maintain eye contact and issues understanding facial expressions are autistic characteristics an individual might have but may choose to overlook,” added Mthethwa.
Mthethwa said autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and understand language. It affects the nervous system.
“Educating parents about how autism impacts their children can also help resolve the stigma around it.
This helps them with decision-making and helps their children feel included and supported.
“These events educate us as parents and make it easier for us to communicate with our children effectively,” said Duduzile Nhlapho, a parent.
The event informed parents about autism and gave them strategies to use at home, communication methods and routines to practice.
The event successfully reached its objective.
