Autism
A Brief Overview of Autism
Autism is a lifelong, extremely complex and often devastating disability, which appears to stem from a multi- factorial origin with a genetic base that interacts with environmental triggers, resulting in disordered brain development and biochemical function.
International research has shown that worldwide, the prevalence of autism is on the increase and is now considered to affect approximately 1 per 158 children under the age of six years. Autism is found to occur in four times as many boys as girls and is the most frequently occurring of all childhood neurological disorders.
There are innumerable ways in which autism can present in individuals and as a result this disability is now more often referred to as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD). In broad terms, there are three main types of autism on the spectrum. ‘Kanner or Classic Autism’ is usually accompanied by intellectual impairment; people with ‘Asperger Syndrome’ generally display a good to above average intellectual ability but still have debilitating autistic traits; and 6% of individuals with autism have ‘Savant Autism’ who display almost superhuman abilities such as memory recall or extraordinary mathematical ability.
Regardless of the manifestation of autism, ALL people on this spectrum are affected in differing degrees by what is known as the ‘Triad of Impairments’ which manifests as disturbances in the quality of development in the following areas:
Language and communication – 40% of people with autism never speak and most individuals with autism have severe problems understanding the normal process of reciprocal communication.
Social interaction – Due to altered chemistry and functioning within the brain, individuals with autism cannot full understand other people’s emotions, reactions and the complexity of social relationships. The result is that these individuals react inappropriately by ‘normal’ standards and are often shunned by society.
Imagination and creative play – Individuals with autism usually becomes entrapped by rigid thought patterns and behaviours, limited imaginative activities as well as a poor understanding of day-to-day concepts, jargon or abstract concepts. This can result in aggressive and poorly understood behaviour.
As yet autism is not curable, but with appropriate intervention it is possible to guide each individual towards his/her full potential in life. (This information is supplied by Autism South Africa. They can be contacted at 011 486 3696)
To find out more about autism, read the following books: Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon & Kaleidoscope by Barbara Erasmus.
The Key School for Specialised Education Our Patron is Mr Saki Macozoma
The Key School is a non-profit organisation and it is one of seven school in South Africa that offers appropriate intervention to children with autism. Our children have individual programmes (similar to IEPs) which are based on input from the multidisciplinary team including the psychologist, a specialised teacher, the speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist and a communication specialist. The children also have a music teacher who is specialised in teaching our children.
There are three classes which are headed by a well-qualified teacher and a class assistant who assists the children with self-help skills. The school has 26 learners whose ages range from two-and-a-half to 15 years. The aim of the programme at the school is to guide the children towards becoming as independent as possible and to ensure that each child reaches his or her potential. This means that the programme is varied and focuses on life skills. The earlier the intervention in the lives of these children, the better.
All the children receive individual and group sessions with the speech and language therapist as well as with the occupational therapist and the music teacher. The children who cannot speak are given alternative ways of communicating by means of graphics, symbols and gestures.
Children with autism can be puzzling and confusing for those dealing with them. With our expertise, we are able to deal with most of their problems. Should you like to know more about us please contact us at The Key School, 7 Rhodes Avenue, Parktown, 2192 or P O Box 84611, Greenside, 2034. Our telephone number is 011 726 2445,
Earn Extra Money for part-time work - Teachers/ students/ Moms required to sell “School Ready Packs” containing Educational Computer Games, puppets and books. Commission structure and incentives. Own car a requirement. Call Carol 082 764 5955.
