TCG shines a light on Autism Awareness Day

The Clinic Group (TCG) came together to commemorate Autism Awareness Day at Mbabane Clinic last Friday.

Dedicated to shedding light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the day served as a platform to advocate for acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity for individuals with ASD.

Autism, also known as ASD, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication, and behaviour. With its varying degrees of severity, Autism is a lifelong condition that manifests uniquely in everyone.

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, with the entire month of April recognized as Autism Awareness Month. TCG took the opportunity on April 26, 2024, to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for those affected by autism.

Dr Khotso Ramphele, CEO of The Clinic Group, expressed delight in participating in the global celebration of Autism Awareness Month. He highlighted the exceptional qualities of children with autism, noting their intelligence and potential contributions to society.

“Children living with autism are special children. They struggle interacting with other people socially, they may struggle with other things, but they are also special because they are very intelligent, they can contribute significantly to society,” he said.

Emphasising the significance of early detection, Dr Ramphele urged parents to be vigilant, especially if their children exhibit a preference for solitary play and limited social interaction. He underscored the importance of raising awareness within communities to facilitate early identification and support for children with autism.

Dr Ramphele cautioned against overlooking seemingly compliant and introverted children, emphasizing that social interaction is a vital aspect of a child’s development. By fostering awareness and understanding, early intervention can lead to positive outcomes and enable children with autism to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

As blue emerged as the official colour symbolizing autism awareness, The Clinic Group, donning blue and white outfits, expressed their commitment to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of individuals with autism and their families shone brightly on this special day.

In her speech, Dr Charity Newton, TCG’s Paediatrician, urged parents to diagnose their children as early as 18 months. She said this helps to find solutions as early as possible. She added that parents should do their children’s wellness checks early if they suspect that their children may have the disorder.

“It is not a choice to have a child with autism. But acceptance is a choice,” she urged parents to accept their children living with autism.