AUTISM was first identified by scientist, Leo Kranner, in 1943. However, it is still a relatively misunderstood and stigmatised condition. In an attempt to shine a light on the growing global health crisis, the world will be celebrating Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, 2 April.
Activities surrounding the day are aimed at spreading knowledge on autism and to stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.
Durban North parents, Sheraine Reddy and Yugen Subraya, have stepped forward as an inspiration to other parents. “We want to tell parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism that it is not the end of the world. Your child can still have a normal, fulfilling life,” said Reddy.
Their daughter, Paris Subraya (9), was diagnosed with autism and a severe mental impairment when she was three and a half years old. Reddy has been a mainstream teacher for most of her life, and Paris’ parents have dedicated a lot of their spare time enlisting in courses and qualifications (such as occupational therapy and speech therapy) that would equip them with the skills and knowledge to adequately tend to their daughter’s special needs.
Their dedication has even prompted the couple to start their own centre, which offers specialised care to non-verbal autistic children.
“She has come along way. As a toddler she could not stand to have anyone or anything touch her skin due to hypersensitivity. She was also a non-verbal child, and with a lot of time and patience she now has 83 words in her vocabulary,” said a proud Reddy.
Additionally, Paris has already begun to make waves as an artist. Several of her paintings were exhibited at the Durban Art Space in July last year. The couple urges parents who suspect that their child might be autistic to have their child assessed by a clinical psychologist and/or a neurologist.
“If your child has been diagnosed as autistic you can start addressing his or her needs. One should adopt a learning style that works for that individual child, instead of expecting the child to adapt to our style,” explained Reddy.
Cause: Autism is a general term for complex disorders of the brain. Researchers do not know the exact cause of autism, but are investigating a number of theories. At this stage it is believed that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.
