Simba Doka spent an agonising year searching for a school for his autistic child.
When he found out that his son, aged seven, was diagnosed with autism he moved from one school to the other seeking placement, without any success.
Doka then approached the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) which referred him to the Johannesburg Hospital School Autism Unit. “There was a long waiting list,” he said. He then tried another two private schools but the fees were exorbitant. His dream to find a school for his child was shattered.
It was only when he was driving in Kensington B that he found the Randburg Clinic School. “I approached them and they admitted my son. My son started at the school in February last year and his condition has never been the same. He has improved his social and communication skills,” he said.
Randburg Clinic School is a school for children with severe behavioural difficulties and has a dedicated unit for children with a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Gauteng Department of Education acting spokesperson, Oupa Bodibe told Randburg Sun that this school was resourced with autism-specific learning material and resources as well as an autism-friendly outdoor play area.
“The unit has been established a few years ago and is growing annually. The fees are extremely reasonable in comparison with independent special schools,” he said.
The school’s principal, Ronald Batchelor said the Department was very helpful and parents should utilise the opportunity given by the GDE. “Our school has a dedicated unit with five classrooms accommodating 33 pupils,” he explained. The school has a psychologist, social worker, and remedial therapist, an occupational therapist with qualified educators, teacher assistants and Grade R practitioners.
The school’s psychologist, Heidi Lathy said they use the Makaton language programme. This programme uses signs and symbols to help the children communicate and supports spoken language. “Autistic children are very visual learners. We teach them skills which help them become independent and functional,” she said.
Details: Randburg Clinic School 011 886 1280.
Related articles:
Autism South Africa celebrate Heritage Day
