While autism spectrum disorder is only reported to affect an estimated 2% of our population in South Africa, the developmental disability remains significant and worthy of discussion.

A discussion worthy of having to create the necessary awareness within our communities while also educating and dispelling stereotypes.

In commemorating Autism Awareness Month, we zoom into the subject a little closer, exploring what autism is, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and interventions available, while also championing further conversations around this subject matter to break down stereotypes, misconceptions, and biases that have developed over time.

Definition: According to Autism South Africa, autism is a neurodevelopmental disability; some also refer to it as a condition. An autistic person might see the world differently from a neurotypical (someone who is not autistic) person.

According to NGO – Autism South Africa, autism can be diagnosed or identified at around the age of 18 months; however, research is looking into identifying the potential signs earlier. 

“While the autistic brain has developed differently, it is very important to remember that this does not mean the person has brain damage. The brain has developed differently. 

“Think of this in the same way as getting different cell phone brands. Some people have Apple phones, some people have Samsung phones, and some people have Huawei phones. None of these phones are broken, but they all work differently. The autistic brain, in the same way that phones work differently, works differently to the neurotypical brain,” the NGO commented. 

Some of the other signs we might see are: 

•  Autistic children might play with toys in ways that are different from those of their neurotypical peers. Autistic play should still be seen as valid.
• They need routine and order. Without routine and order, autistic people might have higher levels of anxiety. 
• Just as everyone expresses emotions, so do autistic people. These emotions might come across as extreme to neurotypical people. 
• The world might be overwhelming due to sensory differences.
  Sounds might be too much. 

The lights might be too bright. Might be a fussy eater. 

• Autistic people might see the detail in objects. They might look very closely at toys or objects. 
• They may appear to have difficulty understanding dangerous situations and may need more support. 
• Autistic people might communicate differently. Some autistic children do not speak; some children might have a few words; and some children might have a better vocabulary than others of the same age. Autistic people may have intense interests that bring them joy. They may have repetitive movements or things that they say. These are called stims and will often help with regulation or focus.  Autistic people may need movement for regulation and learning. Sensory overload, or too much information, could lead to a meltdown.

The first autistic child was diagnosed in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner and went on to live until the age of 89 years old. It is said that Donald Triplett went was a bookkeeper at a bank and lived a full life filled with traveling, among other things —proof that people living with autism can lead fruitful lives. 

 Like 17-year-old Zekwande Mathenjwa, the founder of the Zekwande Foundation, who lives with non-speaking autism. 

 The teen established the foundation as a way of claiming the rights of non-speakers in South Africa and the rest of Africa, addressing the misconceptions that surround the Autistic community about their understanding of their surroundings and what others presume they are capable of. 

 “There are a really wide range of autistic people with a broader set of challenges. I am nonspeaking, which means that I struggle to produce really meaningful sounds with my mouth. Others don’t have my challenges, and yet we all have wonderful brains behind us that I want to highlight,” he said. 

“At Zekwande, our mission is to reclaim the human rights of all non-speaking autistic people through autism advocacy work and to provide support for non-speaking autistics who do not have access to educational facilities and communication mechanisms. Our vision is that nonspeaking autistics become empowered to communicate for themselves.”

In Zekwande’s case, he shares that his assessments required him to move his body to show that he understood right from left and right from wrong, adding that there are a wide range of assessments that cater to different people. 

“Non-speakers can’t talk and have motor challenges, which makes communication difficult without the proper types of AAC (augmentative and alternative communications) and support. Society doesn’t know how to help my motor actions to socialize and understand that my body has a mind of its own. There are so many autistics who search for ways to connect to others who are more like themselves but unfortunately can’t make their bodies listen to them,” adding that creating and encouraging safe spaces for autistics is important for his organization.

Responding to the question, ‘How can parents best support children with autism in school and at home?’ he said, “Always start by presuming competence whenever you deal with someone autistic. Your child needs your strength and awesome faith in them to flourish as individuals.”

According to Autism South Africa, autistic people, just like neurotypical people, also have strengths, and these might include some of the following:

•  High motivation and focus in their area of interest.
• Excellent visual memory 
• Logical and detailed thinkers  
• Good observational skills 
• Honesty and unique thought processes 
• Creativity Accepting others who are different