2nd April is set aside as a day to comemorate World Austism Day while the entire month of April is dedicated to raising awareness about Austism.
This year, the focus is on; Awareness – Acceptance – Appreciation: Moving from surviving to thriving.
The day is focused on affirming and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others.
Progress has been made, not least thanks to the many amazing autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistic people to the wider world.
Candice Rogoff, owner of the Artshop Limited is mom to an Autistic Child, Jade Pieterse.
Jade is intellectually disabled. She has a very rare chromosomal abnormality that affects the 15th Chormosome (Idle 15). She has severe delay that has affected her ability to read, write and communicate.
Regardless of Jade’s disability, she is emotionally highly intelligent and intuitive, which shines through her artwork.
With asistance, Jade is encouraged to reach her milestones with art being one of them, she currently does most of her paintings at her moms Artshop.
Jade is now 19 years old and a very happy lady who really loves to paint.
This is the start of her working career for her to be able to contribute to society and save money for her future.
Being an Austism awareness month, an exhibition was held to this effect at the Artshop Zambia Limited, while another event is scheduled for April 18.
Candice encourages guardians and parents with children with autisim that despite the responsibility being challenging at times, it’s important to accept them as they are, and give them the best opportunities in life.