WITH April being Autism Awareness month, staff and parents of the Tamarisk Special School for Autism on 33 Ficksburg Road in South Hills hosted an Autism Awareness Campaign on April 26.
The campaign began with parents, educators and some children marching around the school holding signs about autism to create awareness. The program was underway with a prayer, the singing of the national anthem, a welcome by Busi Nthola and thereafter guest speakers spoke to honoured guests and members of the public on autism.
A parent and speech therapist/audiologist, Nomsa Masoka, addressed parents and educators as well as district co-ordinator for autism in Johannesburg South, Coush Reggie. Refreshments were served after the speeches.
Tamarisk Special School for Autism admits children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from three to 13 years. The school has small classes of about six to seven learners per class and a teacher and assistant in each class.
For more information contact Busi on 083 370 3074.
Ten things every child with autism wants you to know:
1. I am first and foremost a child. Autism is just one aspect of my character.
2. Ordinary sights, sounds and touches or everyday life that is normal to you can be painful to me.
3. It isn’t that I don’t listen to you, it’s just that I can’t understand you.
4. I like routines, because I know what to expect.
5. Don’t compare me with other children because I’m special in my own way.
6. It’s hard for me to tell you what I need when I don’t know the words to say.
7. Be patient and consistent. I learn better when you tell, show and do things with me.
8. Focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do.
9. I want to be with others abut I don’t know how.
10. Love me unconditionally, because o promise you … I am worth it.
Read:
Autism Awareness Day at Tamarisk Special School for Autism
VIDEOS: School for autism opens sensory room
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