Autism: call for help
ETHEKWINI Municipality in partnership with Action in Autism organisation recently launched an autism walk in Asherville. The walk will begin in Durban on 31 March and ends in Cape Town on 9 June with the aim of creating national awareness about the challenges faced by people who are autistic. Liza Aziz, Chairperson of Action in Autism said it is estimated that 90 000 people in KwaZulu-Natal are autistic and there is a dire lack of schools and facilities to cater for this kind of disability. “Autism is a developmental disability that appears in the first three years of a child life that affects the normal functioning of the brain. Symptoms; if a child does not say a single word by 16 months, does not say twowords phrases on his/her own by 24 months, does not respond to their names, cannot explain what they want or language skills or speech delayed, has poor eye contact, has odd movement patterns and make funny noises, doesn’t know how to play with toys and at times seems to be deaf. EThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo said they fully support this initiative because there is limited awareness about thiscondition.
Mellisa Naude from Durban North was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of Autism at an age of eight. “It’s difficult just to do the basic things which is why I saw it necessary for me join this walk to create awareness and raise funds for Autism” said Mellisa. “I was able to overcome my physical, social and developmental problems through early interventions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and counselling,” adds Naude. Nolwazi Magwaza who will partake in the walk has been friends with Mellisa for manyyears. “I am looking forward to meeting more people who have gone through what my friend has gone through to give them the information they need,” said Magwaza. Aziz said anyone who wants to donate to the ‘Big Autism Thing’ can deposit donations to ABSA bank, account number 1102 111 849 and use your name or telephone number as a reference.
NONDUDUZO NGCONGO and APHELELE NTUMBU
ngcongon@durban.gov.za