Embracing autism on another level

APART from the influences on a child, autism has a ripple effect through a number of systems. Considerations for care and intervention for the child with autism, the parent and the family need to be at the forefront of our minds as professionals and society at large.

- DEBBIE FEWSTER

During autism month the key focus is on awareness, however the new "A" word we should rather consider is acceptance. Awareness around autism has increased over the years and mainstream media has allowed for more exposure of the condition.

The flip side of awareness is acceptance. Within my focus of research I have had a particular interest in parents specifically how they cope and how autism may have impacted their quality of life and well-being. Key findings that have emerged point to a bigger picture of autism.

"Stronger together" has become our unique mantra in South Africa as we have faced challenges and victories as a nation. The us and them perspective so deeply engrained in humans is challenged as we take up the 'stronger together' mindset.

Autism poses a challenge to our rhetoric of what is deemed typical and should push us to accepting people despite their difference. To thrust ourselves further into acceptance we need to adopt a "stronger together" perspective towards autism.