Shine light on autism
JOBURG - GLOBAL autism figures show that 1 in 99 children are affected in South Africa with Autism. In order to draw attention to autism figures and possible solutions to assisting children affected with autism, the UN has allocated the 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day.
The Star Academy will host an event on 2 April to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day. Specialists and instructors will be available to provide insight into different aspects of autism, from instructions to food, case studies and personal experiences.
World Autism Awareness Day was initiated eight years ago to draw attention to the increasing prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world. Autism is characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. These signs all generally begin before a child is three years old. However, there is evidence that with the right treatment, children with autism do not necessarily have to be subjected to autism as a life-long condition, with cases of children with autism successfully recovering and many leading functional independent lives.
“Autism is a treatable medical condition and recovery is possible. This is the message of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) that we want to share,” says Ilana Gerschlowitz, managing director of The Star Academy which specialises in tailor-made instructional programmes addressing the specific needs of each child presenting on the autism spectrum.
World Autism Awareness Month continues throughout April.
Details: 011 440 7796; naomi@thestaracademy.co.za
