Durban, express your support for autism at silent walk
"This walk is being held to show support for the high percentage of autistic people."
ACTION in Autism will host a Silent Walk from the Sunken Gardens on the Durban Beachfront to the Suncoast Lawns on Saturday, 13 April from 11am.
Walkers will use signing, gestures, writing, typing, tapping and pointing to communicate and prove talking is not the only form of communication.
From 8.30am to 10am, a follow-up group counselling session for autistic people/parents/families in crisis, with psychologist Nazia Iram Osman will take place at the Action in Autism Centre in Durban North.
“We will walk to the Suncoast lawns, communicating using only alternative methods to show support for the high percentage of autistic people who have little or no functional speech,” said Kirsty Miller, director of Action in Autism.
ALSO READ: Support Autism awareness walk
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) highlighted that autism is found across all countries, ethnic groups and socio-economic classes, affecting about 1-2 per cent of the global population, yet resources that can improve the lives of those affected by autism are mainly limited to those who can pay for them.
Dr Wendy Duncan, SASOP member and president of the South African Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP), said,
“ASD is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global public health concern, but almost all that we know about it comes from western, high-income countries. There is a need for more research in South Africa, Africa and the developing world, to understand the nature and prevalence of autism, so that a better response can be developed to assist families and communities, guidance be provided to public health policy-makers, appropriate diagnostic tools can be developed and resources such as support and education can be provided.”
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
