Golden Steps, a school for intellectually challenged learners in Cottonlands, Verulam, held a successful Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Social Skills Programme on Monday, 8 August.
The Tongaat Secondary School Interact Club hosted the fun and interactive Social Skills Programme where the learners were treated to games, meals and received party packs. Educator, Ms K Naidoo said: social skills are an integral part of these learners development.
She said: “What we take for granted, like making eye contact during a conversation or when our name is called, is extremely challenging for them. Our autistic children learn through tactical, visual cues and through play methods. Most of our learners are non verbal and communicate through sign language or pictures.”
The day’s programme was very important in teaching the learners social skills, the ability to connect to people, to make friends, to trust and feel safe. “The Interact Club definitely assisted our ASD learners in their social development, during the meal and during the games that were organised for the learners. At the end of the programme the objective was achieved. Friends were made and everyone left with smiles,” said Ms Naidoo.
Thubelihle Goge, a members of the Interact Club of Tongaat Secondary School, said the day was a great success. “The learners participated in various games designed especially for them. From the smiles all around, it was clear that learners had fun. The objective to engage ASD children was achieved. The learners of Golden Steps excitedly interacted with Club members during mealtimes and were also thrilled to receive party packs. We would like to thank all sponsors for their contributions towards this Social Skills Programme,” said Goge.
