Some people are just different from the norm and as such their behaviour needs to be understood, explained and accepted.

Gateway Christian School recently presented an informative workshop on Asperger’s syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism.

Guest speaker, Anita Herzig, mother of two AS children has had over 20 years’ experience with the condition. Her daughter (24), has just completed a degree in political sciences at Cambridge University, while her son attends a school in Pretoria. Both children were also home-schooled for a number of years. Anita was also trained in the Son-Rise Program in the USA. The program has become a renowned method for helping children with autism and other developmental challenges.

For many, the workshop was their first introduction to the interesting world of those with AS. Because of a general lack of knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), many struggle through life undiagnosed.
However, according to recent statistics, one in 90 individuals were on the autistic spectrum, and one in 250 have AS.

Although classified as AS they are able to function in mainstream society. However, they do have more challenges than their “neuro-typical” peers. Aspies, as they refer to themselves, have above average to superior intellect abilities, but struggle with, among other things, social interaction, communication, language peculiarities, cognitive and motor skill and sensory issues.
Each person is unique and may only appear to have some quirky behaviour or think and respond just a bit differently. Research has shown that they do think differently, and many have an ability to focus on their area of interest to the exclusion of everything else.
However, their differences can cause frustration not only in themselves, but in their families, teachers, and co-workers. Often they are largely misunderstood, which adds to their anxiety – another problem many of them battle with.
These children are best helped to overcome their difficulties through the concerted efforts of their parents, teachers and medical professionals.

There is little awareness of AS in Mpumalanga, and the workshop was aimed at raising awareness and giving hope and direction to those affected by the condition. The event also served as the launch of an AS support group in Barberton. Sivvy Setowski will run this group. She can be contacted on 074-493-6608.

Sivvy Setowski and Anita Herzig