Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi officially opened the Thulasizwe School for Autism on Monday.
Situated in Orlando West, the school serves as an answer to children with Autism who previously had to travel long distances to school.
Thulasizwe is the first specialised school in the province within reach for parents and pupils who are financially disadvantaged.
About 80 pupils will benefit from the school which is less than 30 minutes closer to them.
Lesufi said, “The school has been specially customised to cater for pupils with Autism.
This includes the colour of classroom paint, colour of chairs, play areas, therapy centre, curriculum and teacher capacity building.”
All in all the department has spent about R320 million in building and refurbishing 12 schools that cater for pupils with Autism and other special needs in this province.
Even though education for pupils with special needs costs more, Lesufi assured parents that his department will do everything in his power to make sure that their children get the best education possible.
Autism is a brain development disorder characterised by impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviour.
