Noluthando School for the Deaf and Autism in Khayelitsha hosted an autism awareness event on Friday 10 April to educate the community about the condition. The event was also attended by various organisations working in partnership with the school.
Principal calls for community understanding
The school principal, Nomhle Mnunu, said it is high time for people to become more informed about autism. She described April as Autism Awareness Month.“We need parents and the community at large to understand children living with autism. We want the community to accept them,” said Mnunu. She added that children with autism sometimes behave differently from others.
She urged the community to stop discriminating against them, emphasising that all they need is love and to be treated like any other children.
Understanding autism and its causes
Noluthando’s occupational therapist, Nzolokazi Katu, described autism as a condition that affects how the brain works, influencing how a child understands the world, communicates, and builds relationships.
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She stated that every child is unique and emphasised that autism begins in the brain before birth.
“It is not caused by bad parenting, witchcraft, vaccines, or curses, as many communities believe. It is a lifelong condition. However, with proper support, children with autism can grow and thrive within our communities,” said Katu.
She added that autism is linked to genetics. In some cases, it may be associated with older maternal age or infections during pregnancy. Katu highlighted that, in the country, approximately one in 150 children is affected by autism.
Library programme empowers learners
Children’s librarian at Kuyasa Library, Thumeka Mnyusela, described the event as educational. She said they have a strong relationship with the school.
“Every Thursday, the school sends learners to our library, where we teach them digital literacy, basic communication literacy, show them how to print etc,” said Mnyusela.
Parent shares child’s progress
Parent Nomawonga Ngepe said her daughter has shown great improvement since starting at the school two years ago.
“Her speech has improved a lot. She is now able to socialise with others. We thank the school for the great work they are doing for our children,” said Ngepe. She added that autism is not a disability, but a condition.
