Creating understanding, inclusion and hope for families living with autism is at the heart of the upcoming autism expo and family fun day hosted by College Street School.
The much-anticipated event, taking place from June 5 – 6, aims to provide a safe and supportive platform where parents, teachers, professionals and the broader community can learn more about autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity.
Julie Cromhout of College Street School told the Go! on Tuesday the expo was born from a dream to create a forum where knowledge and information about autism could be shared openly and practically.
“It was my dream to create a forum in which knowledge and information about Autism Spectrum Disorder is shared,” Cromhout said.
“Knowledge capacitates families and teachers to promote inclusion and acceptance in the wider community.”
She said that one of the key objectives of the expo is helping families discover the many services, organisations and professionals available in KuGompo City to support children living with autism and other neurodiverse conditions.
The event will also showcase alternative ways of communication for young people who are pre-verbal or minimally verbal, with experts such as speech and language therapist Antoinette Bruce Alexander sharing valuable insight into communication support systems.
Cromhout said misconceptions around autism still remain a major challenge within society.
“One misconception is that non-speaking autistic individuals do not understand speech, while in many cases their receptive language remains intact.”
She said behaviours often misunderstood by the public, such as hand movements or repetitive motions known as “stimming”, are important self-regulation tools that help autistic individuals cope with stress, sensory overload or emotional discomfort.
“We as the public need to learn to respect what we do not understand and adjust our behaviour accordingly.”
Cromhout said the expo will feature a range of informative talks and interactive discussions aimed at both educators and parents.
Topics for teachers will include understanding autism, communication support in inclusive classrooms, emotional coping strategies, routines, transitions and positive behavioural support. Parents will also receive guidance on practical issues such as legal care considerations, cellphone safety and available support structures.
Cromhout thinks creating inclusive spaces and conversations around autism and Down syndrome is essential because families often feel isolated and overwhelmed.
“Our Expo provides a safe space for the sharing of information and creates opportunities for people to ask questions, share their struggles and meet others who understand.”
She said that inclusion creates hope and allows neurodiverse children and young adults to take their rightful place within schools, workplaces and society.
The school has developed a highly supportive educational environment tailored to neurodiverse learners.
Small classroom sizes, specialised teacher training, therapy support, visual learning methods and structured routines form part of the daily learning experience.
Older pupils also participate in programmes.
