Assisting autism with kicks and laughter

A COMEDY show presented by the famous Kurt Schoonraad next month will create big smiles in support of Zululand’s autistic children.

The event set for 7pm on 28 March at the Richards Bay Country Club will benefit Richards Bay’s Autism and Behavioural Learning Environment (Able) Centre to create awareness and raise funds for the school.

An auction will follow Schoonraad’s appearance, before guests dance the night away.

Able Centre was opened two years ago as an answer to the desperate calls from community members needing a nearby educational safe haven for their autistic children.

The sanctuary provides autistic youngsters, from the age of 18 months to Grade 3, with one-on-one speech and language therapy as well as the suitable amenities to develop social, cognitive and life skills.

At the launch held in 2012, Able Centre Manager Elitza Marais shocked attendants with figures indicating the prevalence of the neural development disorder in the uMhlathuze region.

‘A child with autistic characteristics is identified every two weeks in this area alone.

‘We need to make vital services, like one-on-one therapy, available to them so they can grow up to become independent adults,’ said Marais.

The school has grown from three children initially to 18 pupils today.

Event organisers Candice Olivier and Elsa Richie said the evening will go a long way in helping the centre in its efforts to liberate autistic minors.

‘We are truly excited about the event for The Able Centre.

‘The centre is in serious need of both awareness creation and funds and we are honoured to be part of it.’

For more information, contact Candice Olivier on 083 6476649 or Elsa Richie on 083 3081900.