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South Africa’s autism community is pleading with the government for urgent closure concessions to restore much-needed “routine” and access to support services.
In letters written this week to various ministers and heads of government, Action Against Autism, Autism Western Cape, Autism South Africa, Els for Autism, Autism Eastern Cape, Autism Limpopo, The Center for Autism Research in Africa and Jozi4Autism are asking: Relaxation closure restrictions to allow daily walks and exercise for autistic people and a caregiver; access to facilitators and / or caregivers to provide support at home; funds for social assistance and to participate in feeding schemes; and the reopening of care centers to admit struggling autistic people when their families can no longer cope.
The eight organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests from families in desperate situations.
“The government’s inability to act quickly to support autistic people will severely affect mental health concerns among the autistic community and families already in crisis,” says Liza Aziz, president of Action Against Autism and a founding member. She also has an adult son who is autistic.
Aziz cites the case of 12-year-old Anonthe Cele, who is autistic and does not speak but is “very active.” His grandmother Nana takes care of him and says: “Being at home all day is very exhausting due to Anonthe’s impulsive behavior. I am not around, so I am forced to keep him indoors. Walking is very important for his mental and mental health. Benefit physical. “
He added that a one-hour walk around the neighborhood would improve his mood and reduce his frustration.
Another father, Lindiwe Ndlovu, has two children and a grandson who are autistic. Her 24-year-old daughter also has an intellectual disability but helps to care for the little ones.
Ndlovu is a nurse and has a lot of work to do. She desperately needs help.
In his absence, the children had “collapses”, broken windows, and climbed on an electric fence. Neighbors reported her to the municipality and accused her of abuse. But Aziz says that Ndlovo is simply struggling to survive without any help or help with his dependent children.
“Many people with autism and their families are currently in extreme distress under the Covid-19 lockdown. Many rely heavily on structure and routine, as well as outdoor activities and exercise to regulate themselves,” she says.
“A large percentage of autistic people have severe difficulties with spoken language, and when people cannot express their basic needs or experiences to others, life can be extremely isolated and lonely, increasing frustration in a limited existence within from the family group, “she says. .
* Permission has been granted for real names and photos to use in this article.
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