Remember the lockdown? Most of us were desperate for a relaxation of lockdown and some absurd rules. None more than Liza Aziz and her son, Tariq, 21, who is one of about 500 000 autistic people in South Africa.
In lockdown Liza has petitioned the government for special dispensation for autistic people, allowing flexibility around exercise. “Lockdown has been tough.” Social distancing suits most autistic people (they want the opposite of interaction), so exercising with others can be scary.
“Large motor movement is critical for them, it calms the central nervous system and provides relief. But, they need to exercise when other people are not around, especially in densely populated spaces.” Liza started Action in Autism in 2005. She says less than 1% of SA’s disabled are employed, made worse by the pandemic.
