To ensure that every student obtains a fair and suitable education, it is the duty of teachers, support workers, and other associated professionals.
They must therefore be informed about the various ways that autism might impact learning and development.
This implies that teachers must be able to adapt and differentiate instruction at school to meet the needs of each student.
Approaching the issues these kids encounter requires a greater knowledge of how autism might impact learning. Numerous educational techniques that support students with autism spectrum disorder may also be beneficial for these kids.
Related: 20 Top Autism Schools in Wisconsin & Their Websites
In this article, we will discuss the top autism schools in Durban and also see some of the ways autism affects learning in kids, in case you live in Durban and want to have your kid enrolled in a specialized school.
How Autism Affects Learning
Autism affects learning in children in the following ways:
Development
Children with autism may acquire abilities more slowly than children with average development. Additionally, they could acquire skills in a different sequence than typical kids.
For instance, autistic kids may begin using a few single words at the age of one year old, and as they become older, their language skills may differ from those of kids who are typically developing. Or they might be able to count to 20 or recite the alphabet but be unable to utilize words to express themselves or say hello.
Some autistic kids become good at naming colors, remembering the way to familiar places, or picking out words in the grocery store. However, they might not always be able to use these strengths generally. They might not be able to transition from naming colors to responding to questions about the colors in a picture or from word recognition to book reading, for example.
Interaction
Youngsters with autism may interact with others differently than children who are typically developing. Children with autism may not respond to their own names, smile when others smile at them, or pay attention to facial expressions, for instance.
They might not employ the motions that typically developing youngsters do, but they frequently find their own ways of communicating with their parents. To demonstrate something attractive to their caregivers, toddlers might, for instance, take their parents’ hands instead of pointing.
Joint attention, which involves making eye contact and gestures to share experiences with others, is a skill that autistic children frequently struggle with. Children with autism may find it more challenging to acquire communication and language skills as a result of these challenges.
Related: 25 Top Autism Schools in Alabama & What They Offer
Language and Communication
Compared to children who are typically developing, many autistic children develop their language abilities more slowly and in a different order. This implies that they can have trouble understanding what you say to them or obeying your directions.
Some autistic children may have trouble using spoken language to make requests or express their feelings to others. Communication barriers might make social interactions like playing with other kids a little more challenging.
High Level Skills
Children with autism frequently acquire these advanced skills more slowly than children with average development. These variations may have an impact on how well autistic youngsters learn and communicate with adults.
For instance, a youngster may be aware that they must summarize a news article for geography homework but struggle to figure out how to begin; they may have math and English homework but struggle to decide which one to complete first; or they may struggle to cope with mistakes. Some autistic kids may need to put in a lot of effort to learn and grow these skills well into adulthood.
Paying Attention
Children with autism frequently excel in noticing patterns and small details. For instance, some autistic kids may acquire letters, numbers, and shapes more quickly than kids who are typically developing. Additionally, some autistic children may pick up on details that normal kids would miss.
Autistic children occasionally can require assistance in order to see “the larger picture” due to their intense attention to detail. They might take in a lot of information about a situation, but they might not be able to put it all together to understand what it all means.
For instance, if kids read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, they could recall that the caterpillar-like strawberries but fail to comprehend how the food the caterpillar eats aids in its development into a butterfly.
The List of Autism Schools in Durban
Without further delay, let us take a look at some of the best Autism schools in Durban. Links are also provided for each school, so you can check out their website and perhaps even call the school to make more inquiries.
HOPE – Foundation Phase – Special Needs Education
Address: 6 Wanless Rd, Glenmore, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Bright Future Special School
Address: 69 Joyce Rd, Parlock, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Open Air School
Address: 241 Esther Roberts Rd, Glenwood, Berea, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Related: 15 Top Dance Schools in South Africa & Their Details
West Park Special School
Address: 382 Stella Rd, Malvern, Durban, 4055, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Ningizimu Special School
Address: 63 Kenyon Howden Rd, Montclair, Durban, 4004, South Africa
R P Moodley School
Address: 306 New Germany Rd, Recreation, Durban, 4091, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Birdwood School
Address: 868 King Cetshwayo Hwy, Sherwood, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Khanyisa Developmental Centre
Address: 69 Chelsea Dr, Durban North, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
St Raphaels School
Address: 382 Stella Rd, Malvern, Durban, 4055, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Related: 15 Top Beauty Schools in Cape Town: Complete Guide
Autism Excellence Incredible Minds
Address: 52 Chelsea Dr, Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa
Khulangolwazi Special School
Address: 32 Streatham Cres, Montclair, Durban, 4004, South Africa
Livingstone Primary School
Address: 74 Livingstone Rd, Windermere, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
The Reunion Special School
Address: Sabjee Rd, Umlazi V, Isipingo, 4066, South Africa
Hands And Hearts Autism Interventions
Address: 104 Smiso Nkwanyana Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Find out more information here.
Whizz Kidz Special Needs Centre
Find out more information here.
How Common Is Autism In South Africa?
Although there is a small autism community in South Africa, it is sometimes referred to as being “missed,” despite the fact that the country’s population is currently thought to be affected by autism to an extent of 2%.
How Do I Get Diagnosed With Autism In South Africa?
If there are issues with any of the following, parents should request a referral to a developmental pediatrician from their child’s primary care physician for evaluation: Communication warning signs: By 11 months of age, there is no babbling.
Can Autistic Child Study?
Children with autism may be highly focused and gifted in certain subjects, like arithmetic or music. However, a limited range of interests can make it challenging to get them interested in other subjects of study.
Does Autism Get Worse After Age 3?
According to a new study by the UC Davis MIND Institute, a child’s autism symptoms can alter dramatically in severity between the ages of 3 and 11. The study, which expanded on earlier research by the same researchers on changes to autistic traits in early life, was published in the journal Autism Research.
Can Autism Improve With Age?
One important result was that age can affect how severe a child’s symptoms are. Children can, in fact, develop and become healthier. Nearly 30% of young children exhibit fewer severe autism symptoms at age 6 compared to age 3, according to the research.
Can You Avoid Getting Autism?
Although you cannot avoid having a child with autism, you can improve your chances of having a healthy child by making the following lifestyle changes: Live healthfully. Get regular checkups, consume meals that are well-balanced, and exercise. Take all the vitamins and nutrients that are advised to you, and ensure that you receive proper prenatal care.
Which Doctor to Consult For Autism?
You will probably be referred to a specialist who handles kids with autism spectrum disorder, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician, for an evaluation if your child exhibits any symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
What Food Is Good For Autistic Children?
Fatty fish, eggs, grass-fed beef, animal proteins from sustainably farmed animals, shellfish, beans, nuts, and seeds are the greatest foods for kids with autism.
According to research, free-range eggs and fatty seafood like salmon both contain beneficial omega-3 acids. Foods high in omega 3 aid the body’s defense against inflammation.
What Is The Future Of Autistic Child?
People with ASD must develop their abilities, passions, and skill sets in order to succeed in the future, just like neurotypical people do.
It’s critical to realize that having an ASD diagnosis does not exclude your child from having friends, dating, attending college, getting married, having children, or having a fulfilling, rewarding profession.
Can A Brain Scan Detect Autism?
By the time they are 8 years old, around 1 in 44 children had been diagnosed with autism. According to researchers, MRI scans can spot anomalies in a developing infant’s brain that may be early signs that the child would be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
How Do Doctors Test A Child For Autism?
Doctors must instead rely on monitoring the actions of very young children and listening to the worries of their parents because there is no scientific test for it.
ASD symptoms can be highly varied. Some individuals who are “on the spectrum” suffer from severe mental impairments.
How Do You Teach An Autistic Child To Use The Toilet?
To help your youngster understand the stages involved in using the restroom, you can consider making a schedule or visual aid.
Use other visual tools or the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). To help your youngster remember the steps, stick the schedule on a wall next to the toilet or potty.
How Does Mild Autism Look Like?
Repetitive or fixated actions, interests, or pursuits: Stimming is a term used to describe the repetitive actions or words used by autistic people to manage their own behavior. They might also follow particular routines and have intensely focused interests.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of An Autistic Child?
The most frequent cause of death among autistic children is drowning. According to the study, people with autism spectrum disorders, which impair social interaction and communication, die on average at the young age of 36. Life expectancy is 72 for the general populace.
At What Age Does The Autistic Brain Fully Develop?
As the brain volume in controls grows, this gap diminishes between the ages of 10 and 15. Following this time, controls continue to see increases in brain capacity through their mid-20s, whereas the brains of those with autism start to contract.
What Is Level 2 Autism?
Level 2 is the middle level of ASD. At this stage, people need a lot of help and have issues that are more visible to outsiders. These problems could include verbal communication difficulties, extremely narrow interests, and recurrent, repetitive actions.
Can Level 3 Autism Be Cured?
Autism cannot be cured, hence assistance will always be required for people who have severe autism. However, treatment can aid with symptom management.
Can Food Affect Autism?
Malnutrition or other food-related issues do not cause autism, although for many people there is a link between autism and food.
According to research, many persons who are identified as being on the autistic spectrum experience severe effects as a result of food-related difficulties.
Can You Treat Autism Without Medication?
Autism spectrum disorder cannot be cured and is not currently managed with medicine. But certain medications can assist with associated symptoms like depression, seizures, sleeplessness, and difficulty concentrating. According to studies, behavioral therapies work best in conjunction with medication to increase their efficacy.
Is Swimming Good For Autistic Children?
Children with autism benefit greatly from swimming therapy and use it as a social outlet. A child with autism can benefit from swimming by speaking more clearly and having better coordination, social skills, self-esteem, and cognitive processing.
What Should You Avoid If Your Child Has Autism?
We frequently advise an elimination diet for patients with autism, which involves avoiding gluten, dairy, sugar, maize, soy, and other potentially allergic food groups for a month.
What Fruits Are Good For Autism?
Fruits like apples, avocados, blueberries, kiwis, grapes, plums, and strawberries; and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and mushrooms. Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and peanuts.
