About Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS SPECIALIZING IN THIS AREA
- Abilities
- Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe
- Arunah Fellowship of Zimbabwe
- Association of the Deaf (ASSOD)
- Children’s Rehabilitation Unit
- Council for the Blind
- Danhiko Project
- Deaf Zimbabwe Trust
- Disability Agenda Forum
- Disability Resource Centre
- Disabled Child Network
- Disabled Helping Hand Association
- Disablement Association of Zimbabwe
- Disabled Women Support Organisation
- Dorothy Duncan Centre
- Dzivarasekwa Organisation for Disabled Persons
- Emerald Hill School for the Deaf
- Eden Centre, Gokwe
- Epilepsy Support Foundation
- Freedom to the Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe
- Goodwill Child Care
- Henry Murray School for the Deaf
- Hope in Motion
- Jairos Jiri Association
- Kukura Neshungu Training and Rehabilitation Centre
- L’arche
- Margareta Hugo School and Workshops for the Blind
- Midlands Association for the Promotion of Rights and Welfare of the Blind (MAPRORIWEB)
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Zimbabwe
- Muscular Dystrophy Association of Zimbabwe
- National Association for the Disabled Youth of Zimbabwe
- National Foundation for the Disabled
- National Society for the Care of the Blind and Physically Handicapped
- ROKPA
- RESCU
- Rukariro Rehabilitation Centre
- Special Olympics Zimbabwe
- Spinal Injuries Association of Zimbabwe
- St Francis Home
- St Francis School
- St Giles Rehabilitation Centre
- Tariro Halfway House
- The Autism Organisation
- The Bulawayo Toy Library
- The Harare Toy Library
- The Zimbabwe New Hope House
- Tose Respite Care Home
- Voluntary Services Zimbabwe
- Wheelchair Tennis Zimbabwe
- Westwood Cheshire Home for Disabled Children
- Workmen’s Compensation Centre
- Zimbabwe Association of Sports for Disabilities
- Zimbabwe Association of the Visually Handicapped
- Zimbabwe Downs Syndrome Association
- Zimbabwe National Association for Mental Health
- Zimbabwe National League of the Blind
- Zimbabwe Occupational Therapist Association
- Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association
- Zimbabwe Visually Impaired Teachers Trade Union
- Zimcare Trust
- Zimbabwe Women with Disabilities in Development