Newsletter, Wellness Tips

Advancing Neurodiversity – Autism Month 2025

April is Autism Awareness Month, and during this time we advocate for and raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and this year’s global theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals”.

What is ASD?

ASD is a complex, neurological developmental disorder that affects social interactions, communication, and behavior. It is characterized by repetitive and restricted behaviors and impacts each individual differently. Autism’s early warning signs usually emerge sometime before a child turns three and these include:

Poor eye contact
Repeating phrases or babble
Delayed or absent Speech
Heightened sensitivity or sensory aversion
Inspecting toys rather than playing with them
A child being unresponsive to her or his name
Obsessive interests
Resistance to Change

It is important to note that symptoms differ from one individual to another and in severity.

Resources for Caregivers and Parents

Raising a child with autism comes with challenges, you may feel extremely challenged, isolated and overwhelmed but support and the correct resources can make a significant difference.

Resources from Autism South Africa could help you learn more about ASD and get the necessary support
You could search for a GP, Psychiatrist or Psychologist who is experienced and specialises in child development

The autism spectrum is called a spectrum for a reason. People living with ASD are unique and have different experiences. In South Africa, neuro-diverse children significant hurdles in accessing proper care and diagnosis. These can be economic, and social barriers. It is important for everyone, whether or not we are affected directly by ASD to educate ourselves about ASD, this will help in creating an inclusive society that makes advocates for and creates spaces that accommodate people who live with Autism.

At Siweya Wellness Solutions, we support the United Nations‘ call for ‘sustained efforts to eliminate barriers, promote inclusive policies, and recognize the contributions of autistic individuals to society and the achievement of the SDGs’ and our psychologists can provide you with the support you need to navigate life with ASD.

Sources: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day, https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/infohub-corporate/expertise/neurology/autism–a-condition-with-a-broad-spectrum-of-symptoms.html, https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a19684908/signs-of-autism/