Hospital hosts Autism Awareness Day

AUTISM spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, diverse developmental condition that is often misunderstood. In an effort to create more awareness on the subject, Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital in partnership with Connect Special Needs Forum and Imbalito Hope College hosted an event aimed at assisting with uplifting discrimination and allowing families affected by autism to know that there is hope.

The theme for this year’s awareness event focused on the colours of the rainbow which signified the diversity and hope that each child on the spectrum adds to this world. Vital information about ASD was shared by Dr Nerica Ramsundhar, neurodevelopmental paediatrician at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital: “ASD refers to impairments in communication, repetitive behaviour, social interaction and sensory processing. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental syndromes that affects approximately one in 68 people.”

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As the only neurodevelopmental paediatrician in KZN, Dr Ramsundhar said: “It is imperative that the community and not just families affected by autism be educated. This will assist with early appropriate diagnosis and management which promotes better developmental trajectory of children on the spectrum. The road tread by families with children on the spectrum is a long road but it need not be travelled alone. There is support and seeking evidence based practices which can ensure better outcomes.”

Nirasha Dhaniram, mother of a child living with autism, and centre director at Imbalito Hope College and Connect Special Needs Joint Forum for Professionals, Parents and Community, said: “We have been running awareness campaigns for eight years now as the community needs to learn more on the topic of autism so that children can be diagnosed earlier and get help faster than is currently happening due to the lack of understanding on autism. Acceptance and inclusivity are also key in the plight for our children to be integrated into society.”

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