World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April 2025
2 April marks World Autism Awareness Day. April is World Autism Awareness month. April is an opportunity to create an awareness that autism can be a debilitating condition that can severely impact a child’s functionality and quality of life. Autism is not a superpower. Children with autism are in need of expert medical and educational intervention. We don’t celebrate autism in the same way we don’t celebrate cancer or diabetes. April is also a time to share success stories and stories of hope to motivate and encourage parents who often feel burdened by the emotional and physical challenges of raising a child on the spectrum. The message is one of hope as autism is treatable and parents don’t need to give up on their hopes and dreams for their child’s future.
A few weeks ago the CDC announced a large scale investigation into the link between autism and vaccines. The question is whether there is a casual link between the two and we eagerly await the results and outcome of this investigation.
As the rate of autism increases exponentially, schools around the world find themselves in a position where they must cater for the learning needs of the child on the autism spectrum.
Autism is a spectrum diagnosis. On the one end of the spectrum there could be a child who can’t speak at all and on the other end, there could be a child or individual who can attend at school and is higher functioning but can have social skills deficits and other learning challenges.
The latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in America, demonstrates that every 1:36 children receive an autism diagnosis. The statistics are similar around the world. More children with autism are battling the school system.
Parents are often in denial and find it hard to come to terms with a diagnosis. Moving beyond denial is crucial for several reasons. The sooner your child can receive the necessary interventions to catch up their delayed development the sooner you can be a part of experiencing your child’s progress. Living in fear about your child’s development can be emotionally exhausting and may prevent you from getting them the support they need for their development and well-being. In a young developing child, more skills are expected every year of development. Intervention early on means smaller gaps to close later. Time is not on their side. They are against the clock and early intervention sets the stage for the best results.
In addition, we need to ensure an awareness of red flags to autism in a young developing child. Early diagnosis is key and the red flags to autism can be detected between 12 and 18 months of age. If you are a parent and you are concerned about your child’s development, don’t delay and book an appointment with your pediatrician. Discuss your concerns regarding your child’s delayed development. The pediatrician will be able to make a diagnosis and guide you in the right direction. You should not have to wait weeks or months for a doctor’s appointment when you are concerned that your child may have a diagnosis of autism.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) which is an evidence-based teaching methodology for autism is highly recommended for children and individuals on the autism spectrum. At The Star Academy we follow a comprehensive developmental curriculum that is used to tailor make education programs for each individual child on the spectrum. The curriculum covers all areas of development including social, motor, language, adaptive, executive functioning, academic and play skills. We teach basic skills such as eye contact, imitation skills, language and communication skills with a special focus on speech motor planning, toilet training, play skills etc. For the higher functioning child with autism, we will focus on teaching social skills and executive functioning skills. Our dedicated team of expert instructors will help them catch up and become successful learners in the mainstream classroom.
The Star Academy has been established for over two decades and successfully provides education programs for children with autism not only in South Africa but also around the world.
Our message to parents and professionals working in the field of autism on World Autism Awareness Day is that psychiatric medication can no longer be accepted as a valid first line of treatment for children with autism. Our community is calling out for a medical community that thinks about the condition in a much more enlightened and holistic manner. With all the knowledge on autism now at our disposal ‘Goodbye and good luck’ no longer quite cuts it.
