Kicking ball to raise autism awareness
When teaching youngsters their ABC’s it might be a good idea to teach that A is also for April and Autism, considering that the month is dedicated to spreading awareness about the condition.
While some are too shy too talk about it, others know too little to offer an opinion and some know nothing at all, members of the Rocklands-based Yaknocka Soccer Club decided the best way to spread the word is to kick it out in the open - literally speaking - as they hosted their second annual autism awareness mini-soccer tournament at Rocklands High school, on Sunday April 14.
Established in 2019/2020 and affiliated to the Portland-based Mitchell’s Plain Football District (MPFD), the club was officially registered in 2022.
In case anybody’s wondering, the club’s name loosely translates into it knocking or passing the ball around, said chairman Shane Joemath, as that’s what the youngsters called it whenever they wanted to kick the ball around.
“Today was about spreading awareness on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Few are familiar what it is and how to deal with it,” he said.
“As a father of an autistic boy, I have learnt that you have to have patience and accept the things you cannot change and every parent wants the best for their child,” he said.
“Each child on the spectrum has different abilities and develops differently. Speech can become very problematic as he cannot always express what he wants. But we have learnt to understand him through signals and gestures and he has become so independent lately,” said Joemath.
“Kids who have ASD are so intelligent,” he said.
“Allow them into society, give them a chance into your circle, try to see the world from their views, do not put pressure on them. It’s not a disease or virus, they are and look normal. Do not force them to do anything which they are not comfortable with. When they do have meltdowns, it’s not because they’re naughty but they’re having a difficult moment dealing with a situation. Love them just the way they are,” he said.
Under-10 and under-18 manager Michelle Fillies, agrees, saying: “This tournament is the little that we can do to help and assist in creating awareness through sport. We are extremely grateful to the club, players and supporters who choose to take part in this initiative.”
Fielies’ journey with autism started in 2017 when her son was diagnosed with autism and she has since made it her mission to spread awareness around the disorder.
She said besides playing soccer, he’s in mainstream schooling and doing really well, academically and otherwise. "I believe that with autism, it's what you put in. You will definitely reap milestones in the end. He's part of the club and enjoys scoring goals,“ she said.
Vice chairman Mogamat Tohier Samsodien said it was all about educating youngsters about autism and how children and adults can still operate in their daily lives, having a fun day, and of course, also playing football.
“People just need to just listen and speak to autistic individuals with respect and try to learn more about it,” he said.
Anna-Beth Aylward, an occupational therapist and the training co-ordinator at the Rondebosch East-based Autism Western Cape, delivered a short talk on the subject, much to the delight of parents and the young players present.
“Autism is a spectrum condition and no two persons with autism are the same. This makes it so interesting. It is rewarding to know I assist parents, carers, therapists and teachers to better understand this condition and to lessen the stigma attached to it,” she said.
