MUM BATTLES SON’S AUTISM

Jemira Chitakunye

A WOMAN has revealed the challenges she has been battling to raise her child who has autism.

Susan Musakwa’s five-year-old son, Elard, is living with autism.

The 38-year-old mother told H-Metro that it has been a very difficult time for her.

“It has been difficult all these years with this condition that my son has.

“When l first noticed that something was wrong with him when he got to the age of two, not talking and also still messing up his pants.

“I tried all things that were within my power so that l could find some help.

“We also embarked on prayer and fasting thinking it was something spiritual until we were advised by a church member to visit Chitungwiza General Hospital where we saw a doctor who then told us that he has autism.

“We also visited an old woman so that she could cut a piece of flesh under the tongue.”

Suzan said it was hard to accept.

She added that she did not give up on training the boy although it was hard since sometimes, he could keep food in his mouth the whole night and chew it the next morning.

“By making Elard attend a private school it added value to his life and behavior since now he can play with other children of his age although she is afraid that if he goes too far, he might forget the way back home.

“Also, by not giving up on him I now understand him and I can now tell that he wants food, he is angry or he is happy.

“Parents should not give up on their children with autism because autism is not a result of poor parenting.

“Autism is not a mental illness or emotional disorder rather it is a condition that needs parents to be caring for their children so that it helps the child develop faster. No child deserves to be ill-treated because of autism and these children need to be shown love and care,” said Susan.

Autism is known as autism spectrum disorder.

It is a neurological development disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. It is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, developmental delays and communication challenges.