…. advised that autism should not be associated with witchcraft
Autistic kids need to be understood, supported, and encouraged to thrive in their own way. This call was made by an occupational therapist during the commemoration of world autism awareness day held in Maun recently.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, a condition said to be related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others begins at early childhood. However, a small number of children grow well and start regressing at ages 18 to 24 months.
Occupational Therapist at Letsholathebe the Second Memorial Hospital, Gaongalelwe Phetolo said autism makes it difficult for children living with the condition to enjoy interaction with society, saying people especially parents need to know certain behaviors to help them.
She indicated that autism is associated with impaired social interaction and communication skills adding that occupational therapists work to promote, maintain, and develop the skills needed by children to be functional in a school setting or home and beyond.
When highlighting some of the signs of an autistic child, the therapist mentioned that the patient sometimes fails to respond to his or her name or appears not to hear you at times. Adding that they can also resist cuddling and holding, and seem to prefer playing alone, retreating into his or her own world. However, Phetolo called on the public to support children living with autism at all times as it is what they highly need.
For his part, Doctor Mwamba Twite of La Grace Private Medical Clinic revealed that physical abuse of children at an early age can lead to children being autistic. He further encouraged parents to avail their children to medical facilities for assistance, advising that autism should not be associated with witchcraft like some do.
Meanwhile, Baone Mooketsi a parent to an autistic child encouraged other parents with same situation to avoid keeping the patients home but take them to different centers and medical facilities where they can get assistance and personal growth.
She urged them to accept their children’s conditions, saying being in denial delays their children from being assisted on time, advising the general populace to inform themselves about autism.
The Director and Teacher at Learning is Fun Tutorial Academy, Ditso Phillip said a teacher to an autistic child should ensure to create a classroom environment that meets the needs of the autistic students while balancing the needs of the entire class.
She said one needs to fully understand that autism is not a problem to be fixed but a different way of experiencing the world. She added that autistic children are not broken, and they don’t need to be “changed” to fit into society. Phillip further said they need understanding, support, and an environment that respects their unique way of thinking, learning, and interacting.
