World Autism Acceptance Week: Organisation helps autistic people reach their potential

ACTION in Autism, based in Durban North, is a non-profit organisation aims to improve the lives of people with Autism Spectrum Condition.

Autism Acceptance Week began on March 28 and ends on April 3. The week includes Autism Awareness Day which is on April 2.

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The Northglen News spoke to Kirsten Miller, director of the organisation about the organisation and the week.

“I have worked with autistic people for 24 years. At one stage there was only one school in Durban accommodating autistic children, and even then they were very selective about the profile of child they would accept,” she said.

“Autistic children show impairment in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and limited and restricted interests and behaviour, to varying degrees. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, and every child is unique in the way the condition manifests,” she said.

Action in Autism was founded in 2005 by a group of parents who had no access to education for their autistic children.

“Liza Aziz was the founding member and is our chairperson. She and other parents lobbied for educational services for their children,” she said.

In 2009, the Action in Autism early intervention centre was initiated at the Aryan Benevolent Home premises in Asherville. 

It later moved to a house in Sydenham before finding their home in Durban North in 2018.

“The Department of Human Settlements and Public Works donated land and a derelict building to the organisation in 2017 and a donor assisted with restoring the building. We moved in in 2018,” said Miller.

In 2019 the Shuhuma Centre’s doors opened as a way to teach young autistic adults skills and afford the opportunity to start their own small businsses.

“It is a two-year programme which equips the children with skill such as business studies, baking, catering, gardening, food production and arts and crafts. We hope to provide this service as a support so they can start their own micro enterprises,” she said.

The children also sell their goods at local markets and offer their catering services to small events. Miller added that the condition was often misunderstood.

“I advise others to learn about Autism. It requires and open heart and a willingness to learn. I really believe in the potential of autistic people. They are highly misunderstood. They learn and think differently. We can all learn from them,” she added.

To become a member of Action in Autism and for more information visit https://actioninautism.org.za/