Understanding autism

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There are many misconceptions about autism in South Africa that research is now only providing answers to many of the questions about this condition. Having cared for the intellectually challenged for the past 44 years, some of whom have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the organisation is well versed in the special needs of people with the disorder, working closely with Autism South Africa in treating ASD, especially in respect of challenging cases.

Research shows that there is no one cause or type of autism and is believed to occur in very early brain development with most signs and symptoms only emerging when a child is between two and three years old. From information received from Autism South Africa, autism seems to be more prevalent in boys than in girls.

The disorder affects people in varying degrees in what is termed the "quadrant of impairments" that causes a disturbance in the language and communication, social interaction, imagination and creative play or sensory perceptions. Each person with ASD is unique, as is his or her type of autism.

Quiet environment helps

Using the Snoezelen Room and stimulation centre and with the help of well-trained staff, the Home assesses their needs and works with them carefully and slowly, as one cannot rush their progress and care.

Lighting effects, colour, sounds, music, materials and scents are slowly introduced to stimulate the various senses, helping them calm down and providing them with a safe, soothing environment.

Every day, we realise how important our stimulation and Snoezelen Room is when we see improvement in a person who reacts positively to something he or she touches or hears, following the many hours in the room with therapy, especially after knowing that they were oversensitive to it before.

Autism signs

According to Autism South Africa, parents should be aware of the following signs and if encountered, should ask their family doctor or paediatrician for a referral to a developmental paediatrician for assessment:

Communication signs:

• no babbling by 11 months of age
  
• no simple gestures by 12 months of age ie waving bye-bye
  
• no single words by 16 months
  
• no two-word phrases by 24 months ie baby sleeping
  
• no response when name is called and loss of any language or social skills at any age

Behaviour signs:

• odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands
  
• oversensitivity to certain textures, sounds or lights
  
• lack of interest in toys or plays with them in an unusual way ie opening and closing parts rather than playing with the toy as a whole
  
• compulsions or rituals ie has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence and is prone to a tantrum if that ritual is interrupted
  
• preoccupation with unusual interests such as light switches, doors, wheels and unusual fears

Social signs:

• rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people
  
• doesn't play things like peek-a-boo
  
• does not point to show things he or she is interested in and rarely smiles

Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped provides high quality residential and day care to the intellectually challenged people from all sectors of the community. Operating since 1970, it embraces and nurses the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of those in its care through special education and stimulation. For more information, go to www.avril.org.za.