Parkhill learning centre encourages all to see the world through the eyes of an autistic person
The centre also provides opportunities for working on motor skills and sensory play.
THERE are other ways to communicate other than the use of words and for non-speaking autistic people, this is their norm.
Fatima Haffejee, manager for the Early Learning Intervention Centre at Action in Autism in Parkhill, said about 60 % of the children at the centre were non-speaking.
READ ALSO: Petty crime suspects nabbed in Durban North and uMhlanga
“This is why early childhood intervention is so important especially for children on the autism spectrum and other neurological differences,” she told Northglen News amid Autism Acceptance Month.
The centre caters for 32 autistic children between the ages of two and six and aims to foster communication using many methods such augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) which includes the use of communication boards and Makaton, which is a form of signing.
The centre also provides opportunities for working on motor skills and sensory play.
“Some autistic individuals, use technology such as tablets as a preferred method of communication,” she said.
“Early intervention fosters communication and helps children reach their full potential and that includes the use of AAC,” said Haffejee.
The Early Learning and Intervention Centre was opened in 2009 when there were no early development government institutions to cater for autistic children.
“We use an abridged CAPS syllabus with programmes heavily influenced by professionals such as speech therapists and occupational therapists whom are crucial in aiding in the development of an autistic child,” said Haffejee.
“We consider all the needs of an autistic child. Some are sensitive to sound, light and touch while others are not. We take every child’s need into consideration,” she said. On Saturday, Action in Autism, held a non-speaking event where people pledged to not speak and make use of other ways to communicate as a non-speaking autistic person would.
“The purpose of this event was to have the world conform to an autistic person’s way for a whole day. Autistic people are constantly trying to conform and integrate into society so we want people to be a bit more empathetic,” she said.
On April 21, a march for the right to basic education for the many out of school autistic learners will take place, starting at Durban City Hall at 09:00 and proceeding to The Department of Education and Culture at Truro House.
On April 22 Action in Autism and UKZN will host a webinar on the challenges the autistic community faces from 14:00 to 16:30. Zoom link to be shared closer to the time.
If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash, kind or through volunteering, or for more information call 031 563 3039 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.
