The need in the community
In every society there are those who are intellectually challenged for one reason or another. This could be the result of problems experienced during birth, a genetic disorder, a severe illness or an accident affecting the brain.
In South Africa it is estimated that four out of every thousand persons live with some kind of intellectual disability. Some may have just a mild form of intellectual disability and are still able to receive normal education. Others can receive training in order to handle certain tasks of which they are capable.
However it is important that each child who is intellectually challenged receives specialized teaching, therapy and care in order to progress and develop to their fullest potential. With the correct therapy, it is often surprising to what extent a child can progress. But without the correct training and environment, the child often becomes introverted and withdrawn and may even regress in their development.
It is also important that the parents and extended family receive guidance, advice and support in terms of how to adequately cope with the situation. This can only be provided by those who have in–depth training and experience in this field.
It is to assist children who are intellectually challenged, particularly with Down’s Syndrome or Autism, and their families that the Cheré Botha School was established.
Intellectual disability
DEFINISIE VAN VERSTANDELIKE GESTREMDHEID
‘n Persoon kan as verstandelike gestremdheid beskryf word as hy beperkings ervaar t.o.v. (1) die aanleer van nuwe inligting en (2) die toepassing van inligting waaroor hy beskik, veral op ‘n nuwe of innoverende manier. Terwyl ‘n verstandelik gestremde persoon dalk met baie oefening en herhaling kan leer om bv. die olie van ‘n Volkswagen Golf af te tap en die oliefilter te vervang sal hy waarskynlik sukkel om die olie van ‘n ander tipe motor af te tap, al is die basiese beginsels dieselfde. Die rede wat hy hiervoor sal verstrek sal wees dat hy geleer het om die werk op ‘n Golf te doen, maar dat hy nog nie geleer het om dit op ‘n Toyota te doen nie. Hierteenoor sal ‘n persoon met ‘n hoer vlak van verstandelike funksionering waarskynlik kan uitredeneer hoe om die olie van ‘n ander tipe voertuig te vervang en die filter om te ruil.
Autism
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a term often used as an umbrella term for Pervasive Developmental Disorders as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders 4th Edition, Text revised (DSM-IV-TR). Autism can be seen as a spectrum on which each individual that has it is somewhere on a continuum including Autistic disorder, PDD-NOS, Asperger’s disorder, Rett’s disorder and Childhood integrative disorder, as seen in the picture below.
Down's syndrome
Down syndrome (DS), also called Trisomy 21, is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. It affects about 1 in every 800 babies.
The physical features and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids with DS need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives.
Though Down syndrome can't be prevented, it can be detected before a child is born. The health problems that may go along with DS can be treated, and many resources are available to help kids and their families who are living with the condition.