Autistic Durban youth unite through new social platform
Breakthrough Interventions was started in 2008 and caters for children on the autism spectrum.
AUTISM is not contagious, neither is it caused by bad parenting.
These are just two of the misconceptions Caz Collins and her team intend on breaking through their awareness initiatives and programmes.
Highlighting the intense effects misconceptions cause in the lives of autistic people, Collins, director from Breakthrough Interventions South Africa’s Therapy Centre for Children, said, “Many of these misconceptions about autism have dramatic effects on these individuals and their families. They are often discriminated against, ignored, excluded from their communities and are bullied due to a lack of awareness and acceptance of this disorder,” she said.
Breakthrough Interventions was started in 2008 and caters to children on the autism spectrum.
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The platform helps children work through their speech, communication and social challenges and also assists those who are in school but not managing independently.
As an extension of the work currently carried out by the group, a new project, called Spectrum ConNEXTions, was launched for young adults on the autism spectrum.
“We found that there is very little available for people once they have left school. If you have autism, there is not a lot on offer on how to further your studies or find employment. We started this group so young adults with autism can meet each other and also learn skills in terms of being independent and interacting with others while preparing for employment,” said Collins.
People on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have skills in the areas of art, IT, or writing and have strong visual memory skills, however, finding work is difficult due to the social challenges which come with the condition, often making interviews difficult.
She said people with ASD experience communication and social challenges as well as behavioural and sensory difficulties.
“Growing up it is common for children with ASD to be bullied because they are different and for them to battle to make friends. These negative experiences can often be carried through to adulthood causing isolation. At Spectrum ConNEXTions young adults with ASD can interact without fear of rejection and can be confident in who they are. The group was started in October 2020 and has met four times so far, including eating, out, a trivia night, and brunch after the Blue and You Autism run,” she said.
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She said social and communication, behaviour and sensory components, which are all linked, are worked on using academic and pre-academic tools, showing children with autism how to be self-efficient and how to communicate.
“Neurotypical people communicate on a social level, but autistic children work on a low level of communication, and don’t have the social need to be like others. I trained in the US, which is a very independent society where there is no shame, people are going to do things no matter what they are told, whereas in South Africa the culture is different, and we are reliant on authority. If a doctor has told a parent there is nothing they can do for their child, they tend to accept it,” she said.
She also gave advice to parents who have children living with autism to get support early on.
“Many parents are told by the doctor to wait and see what happens, which is a very bad advice. Moms know when there is something wrong and I would say to parents if you feel something isn’t right, follow your instincts and get help, don’t give up on your child, you have to be your child’s voice,” she said.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Breakthrough Interventions, contact Collins on infobtisa@gmail.com or 060 387 9470 or Facebook: Spectrum ConNEXTions.
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