Yazdaan finds peace and expression in art
"He amazes us every day and through his drawings, we can see and understand how he sees the world."
The month of April was Autism Month and it is aimed at creating awareness and educating society.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.
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Austism is characteristised in varying degrees, from difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviours to differences in sensory perception.
The EXPRESS had the opportunity to meet with nine-year-old Yazdaan Ally from Kensington, who has autistic spectrum disorder, and his mother, Shoneez Ganie.
“Coming from a community that does not understand autism, it was difficult for us to understand and still educate people around us. It was also an adjustment for Yazdaan,” said Shoneez.
Yazdaan was diagnosed at the age of six.
Yazdaan, meaning ‘gifts of the angels’, has been beating the odds since he was born.
He was born at 34 weeks while his twin died at four months’ gestation.
“The doctors did not give him long to live because of the complications he had. He is a fighter and just kept on growing and overcoming all the difficulties,” said Shoneez.
Yazdeen has found a way to express himself through art as he struggles daily with writing, speaking fluent sentences and developing motor skills.
“He amazes us every day and through his drawings we can see and understand how he sees the world,” said Shoneez.
“I started noticing he loves drawing and when I went through his art book I was amazed by the drawings.
“Autistic children have different ways of expressing themselves, you just need to pay attention and observe what makes them feel safe. They love routine and things to be in a certain way,” said Shoneez.
She said more awareness and education is still needed for society to fully understand what autism is.
