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Vera School for learners with Autism

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Vera School provides education for the educable child with autism.  This mammoth task has only been possible through the continuing unselfish support of the public.

Programmes

  • Social interaction,
  • Communication,
  • Imagination (narrow and restricted repertoire of behaviours and range of interest)
  • Sensory processing.

Faculty

  • Swimming Pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Labyrinth
  • Cycle Track
  • Sensory Room
  • Hostel

Admission Criteria

Diagnosis according to DSM 5

There is the existence of common core features and the disorder is presented as a spectrum. The DSM 5 does not categorise sub-groups as in the past but it requires that the clinicians specify the severity of the current symptomatology in terms of level of support required for each of the two main domains:

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  • social communication and social interaction difficulties 
  • restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interest, or activities and sensory difficulties.

The levels of support are divided into three categories of severity, namely;

  • Level 1 – requiring support,
  • Level 2 – requiring substantial support
  • Level 3 – requiring very substantial support

These allow for discussion of priority areas of development and/or intervention. The DSM 5 also requires that clinicians specify if the person presents with ASD with or without Intellectual impairment and with or without language impairment.  The aim is to develop a specific understanding of that person’s presentation of ASD in order to intervene effectively.

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Here are some criteria which will determine whether a child is a suitable candidate for an ASD school, the child must:

  1. have joint attention
  2. demonstrate motivation at some level for learning
  3. have imitation skills
  4. not be a danger to himself or others in his environment
  5. be physically able to defend themself (ie. Not vulnerable)
  6. be able to function in a group setting
  7. not interfere with the learning of peers due to extreme and unmanageable hypoactivity or hyperactivity
  8. have some self-help skills
  9. display some communicative intent
  10. not require one-on-one level of support for all learning
  11. work without being prompt dependant at some level
  12. not negatively impact the rest of the learners in the classroom (through verbal or physical abuse)
  13. be independent for periods of time that do not require the educator/assistants constant supervision

Contact Details

General Enquiries :  [email protected]
Fundraiser Email  :  [email protected]
Contact Number     : 021 696 2844
Fax number             : 086 408 8697
School Address       : 20 Anglesey Road,
                                       Rondebosch East,
                                       7700