KNOWING AUTISM

Cape Town mom Wendy Bowley, who has autism and has a child with autism, offers support services to others affected by the condition. Her programme, Knowing Autism, gives insights and tools on how to manage life from a different perspective. Wendy, who calls herself an ”autism social transformer”, shares some wisdom:

There is a misconception that a child can be born without autism and then suddenly develop it. Research has shown that autism is present in utero. The signs just become more evident with age. The youngest that a child usually gets diagnosed with autism is around 3 years old. Second-time moms often pick up the signs easier. As autism is a developmental disorder, it displays itself differently as the child develops.

Signs to be on the look-out for: When your child avoids eye contact, often does not respond to their name or even look in the direction of the person calling them. Also note a lack of animated facial expressions and a lack of verbal language. A child with autism can escalate quickly to intense emotions, and this may indicate that the child has difficulty regulating their emotions. They are less likely to show concern or empathy for others. Children on the spectrum will have difficulty transitioning from one thing to another or one place to another. They usually need to be prepared for the change in events before they occur. They have difficulty with spontaneity. Keep in mind that this rigid behaviour is neither defiant nor naughty. Autistic children suffer from high anxiety, and it is very important that you understand them in their environment and enable them to relate to you.

Read more at wendybowley.co.za and follow her at @knowingautism.