Two Foundations caring for people with autism will receive proceeds from the upcoming SPAR Women’s Challenge; jogging one step closer to a kinder world for everyone.
Gqeberha, South Africa (27 April, 2023) — Greater understanding and early diagnosis make the world of difference to people living with autism. This is the all-important message from two Eastern Cape organisations working around the clock to improve the lives of those on the spectrum. And, both are set to receive funding thanks to an iconic women’s event!
This year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge is recognising Gqeberha-based Autism Eastern Cape and the Umphanda Foundation for Autism for empowering those in their care and removing stigmas around the condition.
A portion of the funds raised by the iconic road race at Pollok Beach in Nelson Mandela Bay on May 28 will be donated to the two NGOs.
For Autism Eastern Cape, the financial help couldn’t come at a better time. The NGO recently had to close its early intervention centre, necessitating people in the programme to be placed at Aurora and other facilities.
“We are so grateful that Aurora has been able to help. All our equipment and educational material went to them, and another set of people working closely with their church is offering similar help.
“It’s wonderful that we are getting this support from SPAR as we would like to take these programmes forward. The structure, staffing, buildings and training are all at Aurora, so we are working hard to expand services to children with autism.”—Autism EC chairperson Joan Jorritsma
Umphanda Foundation founder, Nomakhosazana Dick shared that proceeds received from the Women’s Event would help it on its journey to having its very own facility.
Both women believe more needs to be done for society to get to grips with autism and its complexities.
“The more we try to understand how people with autism function and work and think, the better for everyone. We need to learn why they behave the way they do and respect that. By doing so we will be able to help them on their specific journeys.”— Joan Jorritsma.
An Early Autism Diagnosis Makes All the Difference
If parents felt their children had not reached the correct developmental level, they should immediately consult a GP, paediatrician, psychologist or social worker, Joan advised.
She shared:
“It always comes back to early diagnosis. I know a person in her fifties who despite being exceptionally bright always wondered why people thought she was strange. When she was finally diagnosed, she was so relieved because she could then say to people, ‘If I behave like this, please don’t worry. It’s because I’m on the spectrum’.”
One of Autism EC’s projects is offering support to a group of young people calling themselves the PE Spectrumites. They meet monthly for social functions or discussions where they can “talk openly about their terrible anxiety or their need to hold their pets for comfort. With the difficulty of us losing our school, it’s tremendous they can now have our focus”, Joan said.
Nomakhosazana is another powerhouse fighting the good fight. Her foundation specialises in early intervention, sensory integration and skills development among children, with four teachers guiding them through the different programmes.
“You deal with many things when it comes to an autistic child. You need to work with the child holistically and small wins are so important.”
“If you love them, they will show you love too. But it’s not everyone who can do that. You need to understand that children might be fussy eaters or require supplements. That’s why this condition is so complex.”—Nomakhosazana Dick.
SPAR EC advertising manager Roseann Shadrach said the retailer’s goal in supporting the cause was to make a difference in the lives of both children and adults.
She explained:
“We took our national We’re for Smiles campaign and adopted it for our beneficiaries to create Forever Smiles. These organisations don’t just provide once-off assistance but are invested long term in the people they help.”—Roseann Shadrach.