21-04-2025
Embracing Autism this April
April is Autism Awareness Month – a time used to raise awareness, understand, and accept autistic individuals throughout the world.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as neurodivergency, is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, and this day is observed annually on April 2.
Also read: Celebrating the unique brilliance of autistic children
The Roodepoort Record had an opportunity to sit down with Inspirando Academy (an autism centre) principal Alison Tumbev, who shared a wealth of knowledge from her journey as a neurodivergent individual and as someone who owns an academy dealing with other neurodivergent individuals daily.
Growing up in Roodepoort in the 1970s, Alison says there was little information and limited understanding of autism at the time.
'The majority of the primary schools had a remedial class for learners who had cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. I was placed in a neurotypical class from Grade One until Grade Seven and continued my high school education at the National School of the Arts, where my performing arts were ballet, contemporary dance, and Spanish dance.
'The challenges that I felt to be the most overwhelming as a child and teenager were separation anxiety, talking to unknown people, and being unable to express myself using words. My parents enrolled me at a ballet studio as a child to build my confidence.
'The joy that I found in dancing became the hidden language of my soul. I felt free and developed the life skills that have assisted me throughout my life. Since matriculating, I have always been passionate about teaching and assisting children with autism,' she said.
With a core background in education and dance, Alison explains that awareness about autism has grown significantly, with 1 in 100 children being diagnosed. She says Autism South Africa plays a vital role in providing parental assistance and training courses, as well as organising events to raise awareness about autism.
'Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a 'developmental disorder' because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Autism is not an illness that can be cured but a neurological disorder that requires lifetime management.
'Each neurodiverse child is an individual with special needs that are entirely different from any other neurodiverse child. There may be a few similarities, such as delayed speech, lack of eye contact, stimming, lack of socialisation skills, aggressive behaviour and a restricted diet due to food textures, to name a few,' she added.
Alison's advice to parents with autistic children is to make informed choices about their child's treatment, as not all children respond to the same treatment.
'They should use natural supplements, a good autism center program, Primal Integration Therapy, and be prepared for social outings to help their child grow and develop.'
Lastly, she said, 'I would like to commend all parents who have a neurodiverse child. Know that you are doing your best, even when you are exhausted, as autism requires 24/7 involvement from parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers. You are highly praised!'
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