The Clinical Director of the The Star Academy Jenna White says Autism is a prevalent disorder. Speaking in an interview with SABC’s Full View, White says it is caused by a genetic preposition and it is triggered by environmental factors.
“There is pollution in our air, our water. Our environment generally speaking is becoming more toxic,” she says.
Tuesday marks World Autism Day.
The condition is characterised by difficulties with speech and non-verbal communication, social skills and repetitive behaviours.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in 160 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Worldwide, people with Autism continue to be stigmatised. Access to services and support for people with Autism remains inadequate.
A parent of a child living with Autism, Masenyeki Mthethwa, says she struggled to get her child into school.
“The area we live in did not have schools around. We actually had to move because of him, so that he can find a better life. So, our lives had to change.”
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