About Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a wide range of conditions that are characterised by difficulties with social skills, speech, non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviours.
There are many subtypes of autism. These are influenced primarily by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Because autism is a spectrum disorder every person with autism shows a different set of strengths and weaknesses. While one person might be highly skilled in learning, problem solving and thinking, another might be challenged in these same areas.
These difficulties mean some people with autism are capable of living independently or require only minimal support while others need significant support.
Autism is often accompanied by medical and sensory issues. These include gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders and sensitivity to sound. Other issue can include traits of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) or anxiety.
Mindstretch School * Moving from Labelling to Enabling
The Signs of Autism
- Learn more in our article Act Early for Maximum Impact.
6 Months
- No big smiles or emotional engaging
- Minimal eye contact
9 Months
- Very few or no facial expressions or sharing of sounds or smiles
12 Months
- Little to no babbling sounds
- Limited or no pointing, showing, waving or reaching for things
- Limited or no response to their name
16 Months
- Few or no words
24 Months
- Minimal meaningful two-word phrases (this does not include repeating or imitating)
Any Age
- Loss of speech or social skills
- Avoiding eye contact
- Preferring to be alone
- Unable to understand other people’s emotions
- Delays in language development
- Excessive repetition of words
- Resistance to minor routine changes or changes to surroundings
- Repetitive behaviours
- Intense reactions to stimuli – smells, takes, sounds etc.
Mindstretch School enrols children from age 2.5 years
We are located in Pinelands, Cape Town.
Our standard school day runs from 07h30/08h30 to 12h30/13h30.
Aftercare is available to either 14h30 or to 17h00.
Screening for Autism
- Please Contact Us to learn more or view our Tributes for other parents’ experience with Mindstretch.
- You can sign up for our newsletters (just three a year) at the bottom of this page.
The Mindstretch Way
We believe that every child can reach their full potential if learning challenges are addressed early in development. We individualise our programme to the needs of each child. Progress and inclusion are our goal.