AUTISM AWARENESS

Your article about the woman who was diagnosed with autism at 44 (YOU, 10 March) struck a chord. I can totally relate to Wendy’s relief at finally having an explanation for her struggles. I was officially diagnosed with autism in November 2021, three months before my 58th birthday, and suddenly my whole life made sense.

The first time I suspected I might have autism was the month before, when by chance I discovered a link between my lifelong fussy/picky eating habits and autism. Initially learning that my eating issues, for which I’d always blamed myself, were the result of a condition I had no control over was an incredible moment and then the resulting autism revelation was even more amazing.

It explained everything – why I am the person that I am, where my strengths come from, as well as my challenges. April is World Autism Awareness Month. There needs to be more awareness about autism and related conditions like food sensitivities.

Parents should not punish their children for refusing to eat – if it is an ongoing issue, investigate further.

Be kind to one another, you never know what the other person is going through. Everyone has their own unique story. JENNY SIM, DURBAN

■ I am privileged to know a family whose one child is autistic. Differently abled, this lovely young woman has developed skills to help her cope with her daily life.

The journey of understanding autism was not easy for her parents and siblings, yet as a family they have been united in giving her all the tools to make her life easier and she has been able to develop wonderful artistic skills, creating exciting works of origami.

However, not enough has been done in this country to raise awareness and provide suitable facilities for children who are born autistic.

For those of us who regard ourselves as being “normal”, the time has come to learn and understand these differently abled human beings, for they come onto this planet with extraordinary gifts and we should take the time to understand, and help where we can.

Appreciating and accepting their differences will not be easy but it is essential that we try! PETER BACHTIS, BENONI