Kicking ball to raise autism awareness

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: Fuad Esack fuad.esack@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Plainsman

While some are too shy to talk about it, others know too little to offer an opinion and some know nothing at all, members of the Rocklands-based Yaknocka Soccer Club decided the best way to spread the word is to kick it out in the open – literally speaking – as they hosted their second annual autism awareness mini-soccer tournament at Rocklands High school, on April 14

Established in 2019/2020 and affiliated to the Portland-based Mitchell’s Plain Football District (MPFD), the club was officially registered in 2022.

In case anybody’s wondering, the club’s name loosely translates into it knocking or passing the ball around, said chairman Shane Joemath, as that what the youngsters called it whenever they wanted to kick the ball around.

“Today was about spreading awareness on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Few are familiar what it is and how to deal with it,” he said.

“As a father of an autistic boy, I have learnt that you have to have patience and accept the things you cannot change and every parent wants the best for their child,” he said.

“Each child on the spectrum has different abilities and develops differently.

“Speech can become very problematic as he cannot always express what he wants. But we have learnt to understand him through signals and gestures and he has become so independent lately,” said Joemath.

“Kids who have ASD are so intelligent,” he said.

“Allow them into society, give them a chance into your circle, try to see the world from their views, do not put pressure on them.

“It’s not a disease or virus, they are and look normal. Do not force them to do anything which they are not comfortable with.

When they do have meltdowns, it’s not because they’re naughty but they’re having a difficult moment dealing with a situation.

“Love them just the way they are,” he said.

Under-10 and under-18 manager Michelle Fillies, agrees, saying...