MANZINI MUNICIPALITY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AUTISM RESPONSE
As the globe commemorates Autism Awareness Day, the Municipal Council of Manzini takes this opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Testament to this sense of commitment is the Municipality’s establishment of a facility that is specifically dedicated to it, namely; the Manzini Autism Respite Centre. The facility, located within Fairview South Township along Althea Road, provides early therapeutic services, medication support and a nurturing environment for children with ASD and related conditions. Recognising the rising prevalence of neurodevelopmental disabilities in the city and in the country, the Autism Centre was founded to offer specialised services to autistic children aged between three and 13 years. The centre also accommodates clients facing communication challenges, physical disabilities and learning difficulties. To ensure comprehensive care, the facility has a team of three therapists; a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist. These professionals work collaboratively to provide tailored therapeutic and rehabilitation services to children with ASD and comorbid conditions. Each month, the Municipality actively monitors the services provided at the Autism Centre.
These services include integrated speech and occupational therapy as well as physiotherapy sessions for children with physical and neurological impairments. Currently, the centre supports an average of 55 patients per month, with 39 receiving speech and occupational therapy whilst 16 benefit from physiotherapy interventions. Physiotherapy services are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; from 8am to 4pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, individuals can contact the centre by telephone at 2508 5105 or by email at lindiwe.dlamini@manzinicity.co.sz. The Manzini Autism Centre stands as a beacon of hope, reflecting the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming lives and promoting inclusivity. The centre continues to grow, it serves as an inspiring model for municipalities striving to support residents with neurodevelopmental challenges.
…AUTISM CENTRE SERVICE FEES
Operating on a model of inclusivity, the Manzini Autism Centre ensures that financial constraints do not become a barrier to accessing essential services. The service fees for physiotherapy are structured as follows:
- Initial assessment (first visit): E200.00
- Follow-up sessions: E100.00 per session
…WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as well as difficulties in social interaction and social communication.. The condition includes limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour. The disorder has a wide range of symptoms and severity hence the reference to the term “spectrum”. Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes challenges in society — socially, in school and at work, amongst other environments. In most cases children show symptoms of Autism within the first year. A small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age when they develop autism symptoms. While there is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children.
…HOW TO IDENTIFY AUTISTIC BEHAVIOUR
Some children show signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in early infancy. These symptoms include reduced eye contact, lack of response when their name is called or indifference to caregivers and those around them. They prefer playing alone, retreating into their own world. Some even resist cuddling and holding. Others may develop normally for the first few months or years of life but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills that they had already acquired. In most instances, symptoms are identified by the age of two. Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have difficulty learning and others show signs of below normal intelligence. Others, on the other hand, demonstrate normal to high intelligence. They learn quickly yet have trouble communicating and applying what they know in everyday life as well as adjusting to social situations. A child with Autism Spectrum Disorder does not speak or has delayed speech or loses previously acquired skill to say words or sentences. Some children with this condition have difficulty recognizing non-verbal cues such as interpreting other people’s facial expressions, body postures or tone of voice. As they mature, some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder become more engaged with others and show fewer disturbances in behaviour. Some, usually those with the least severity levels, may eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. Others, however, continue to have difficulty with language or social skills, and the teen years can bring worse behavioural and emotional problems.
…WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Babies develop at their own pace but children with Autism Spectrum Disorder usually show some signs of delayed development before reaching two years of age. There’s no way to prevent Autism Spectrum Disorder but there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention is most helpful and can improve behaviour, skills and language development. However, intervention is helpful at any age. If you are concerned about your child’s development or you suspect that your child may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, you are advised to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend developmental tests to identify if your child has delays in cognitive, language and social skills.
…MANZINI CITY’S AIR QUALITY NOW BEING MONITORED
The Municipal Council of Manzini has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart, sustainable city by launching an ambient air quality monitoring mechanism. This initiative, supported by the Eswatini Environment Authority, aims to provide real-time data on air pollution, helping to improve air quality through relevant interventions. The device measures Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5, PM5 and PM10 along with atmospheric pressure and humidity. The collected data, accessible through an AirVisual app, covers a 5km radius, allowing the Municipality to monitor pollution levels accurately. With this information, the Municipality can make informed decisions on steps that need to be taken to minimise air pollution. High air pollution levels in densely populated areas can lead to respiratory diseases. The Municipality will also utilise the data to advise residents and businesses on reducing exposure to harmful air pollutants. By tracking air pollution hourly, the Municipality is taking a proactive approach to protecting the environment and ensuring a healthier future for all residents. This initiative marks an essential step towards a cleaner, smarter city.
…MANZINI CITY WARDS SOCCER TOURNAMENT EXCITING KICK-OFF!
The 2024/2025 Manzini City Wards Soccer Tournament, which pits all 12 municipal wards in the city against each other, kicked off on a high note last Saturday at the Zakhele Sports Grounds. The exciting tournament is designed to foster community cohesion whilst providing a platform for the city’s youth to engage in healthy competition and sportsmanship. The knockout tournament featured Ward 10 against Ward 1 and Ward 6 against Ward 7 in the morning, followed by Ward 12 against Ward 8 and Ward 5 playing against Ward 2 in the afternoon. Wards 1, 5, 7, and 8 emerged victorious and will now join Wards 3, 4, 9, and 11 in the next round of the tournament this coming Saturday. The tournament will conclude on Saturday, 12th April 2025 at the same venue. The Municipality encourages all residents to come out in their numbers even this Saturday and cheer on their teams as they fight for glory. Informal trade opportunities and space for company product/service promotions are also available at the venue. The following pictures were taken during the games.
