ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN THE WCED
ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN THE WCED
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DIRECTORATE: INCLUSIVE AND SPECIALISED EDUCATION SUPPORT
Autism spectrum disorders are referred to as a ‘spectrum’ to demonstrate that while individuals may share common characteristics, how these characteristics are displayed can be quite different. In other words, no two individuals are the same. The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders present themselves very differently in each child.
Autism spectrum disorders are referred to as a ‘spectrum’ to demonstrate that while individuals may share common characteristics, how these characteristics are displayed can be quite different. In other words, no two individuals are the same. The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders present themselves very differently in each child.
SUSPECTING AUTISM
SUSPECTING AUTISM
If you suspect that your child or a learner in your class has ASD, here are some signs to look out for and ways to support:
If you suspect that your child or a learner in your class has ASD, here are some signs to look out for and ways to support:
· Rarely makes eye contact when interacting
· Rarely makes eye contact when interacting
· Tends to have one-sided interactions
· Tends to have one-sided interactions
· Usually plays alone or has difficulties in peer relationships
· Usually plays alone or has difficulties in peer relationships
· Speech may be delayed or absent
· Speech may be delayed or absent
· Odd or repetitive ways of moving
· Odd or repetitive ways of moving
· Sensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights
· Sensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights
· Lack of interest in toys or plays with them in unusual ways (e.g. lining up, only playing with certain part)
· Lack of interest in toys or plays with them in unusual ways (e.g. lining up, only playing with certain part)
· Preoccupation with unusual interest (e.g. light switches, fans, wheels)
· Preoccupation with unusual interest (e.g. light switches, fans, wheels)
· Upset with minor changes
· Upset with minor changes
You can read more about early warning signs and red flags on Autism Western Cape’s website: https://www.autismwesterncape.org.za/understanding-autism/
You can read more about early warning signs and red flags on Autism Western Cape’s website: https://www.autismwesterncape.org.za/understanding-autism/
WHERE TO GO FOR DIAGNOSIS
WHERE TO GO FOR DIAGNOSIS
When autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suspected, your child will need a full assessment or evaluation. You can go to:
When autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suspected, your child will need a full assessment or evaluation. You can go to:
- State hospital such as Tygerberg Hospital or Red Cross War Memorial’s Children’s Hospital
- Local clinic in your community (i.e.: Kraaifontein Community Clinic, Khayelitsha Community Clinic etc.)
- Private practitioner in the field of Autism (Neuro-developmental paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, medical doctor)
Recommendations regarding further interventions and support will be made depending on the outcome of the evaluation. Not all learners require the same level of support. The Provincial ASD Outreach Teams assist in the process to determine the child’s level of support.
Recommendations regarding further interventions and support will be made depending on the outcome of the evaluation. Not all learners require the same level of support. The Provincial ASD Outreach Teams assist in the process to determine the child’s level of support.
ASD TEAMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
ASD TEAMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
There are three Provincial ASD Outreach Teams.
There are three Provincial ASD Outreach Teams.
The teams are based at:
The teams are based at:
- Vera School for Learners with Autism,
- GlenBridge Special School and
- Noluthando School for the Deaf.
Each team consist of an educational psychologist or counselling psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist and an educator.
Each team consist of an educational psychologist or counselling psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist and an educator.
The main roles of the ASD outreach teams are assessment of children with ASD for school placement, developing and presenting various training workshops on ASD, empowering and supporting new and existing ASD schools and units and ASD advocacy.
The main roles of the ASD outreach teams are assessment of children with ASD for school placement, developing and presenting various training workshops on ASD, empowering and supporting new and existing ASD schools and units and ASD advocacy.
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
While autism is a life-long condition (there's no cure), early intervention can play a huge role in the prognosis, in other words, the management of symptoms and coping skills that can be taught. The following orginisations could be contacted to support young children who are not of compulsory school going age yet:
While autism is a life-long condition (there's no cure), early intervention can play a huge role in the prognosis, in other words, the management of symptoms and coping skills that can be taught. The following orginisations could be contacted to support young children who are not of compulsory school going age yet:
Autism Western Cape (AWC): 021 685 9581, admin@awc.org.za or visit their website for more information: https://www.autismwesterncape.org.za/services-resources/
Autism Western Cape (AWC): 021 685 9581, admin@awc.org.za or visit their website for more information: https://www.autismwesterncape.org.za/services-resources/
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