The Key School - special needs
Special Education in Johannesburg

The Key School for children with autism and special needs in Parktown provides educational intervention to children aged between 2 and 12 using proven methodologies (eg TEACCH, PECS, ABA) and assured progress. Friendly atmosphere, qualified teachers and GDE registered school, ISASA member. Individual programmes are crafted for each child. Contact details: Dr Jenni Gous 011 726 2445 or head@thekeyschool.co.za Website: www.thekeyschool.org.za.

the Society for Children and adults with Autism is a welfare organization which was set up to promote the interest of children and adults with autism. Its purpose, structure and governance are set out in Constitution. So far it has sponsored only one project which is The Key School in Parktown. The Society’s objectives at this time may be summarised as: An expansion of present capacity at The Key School and the improvement of its facilities. The establishment of a Resource Centre of therapists with specialist skills in Autism and related disorders to reach out to the wider community including parents of children with disabilities. Provision of weekend respite care (to relieve hard-pressed parents) The establishment of sheltered communities in which people of past school age can lead meaningful lives. Autism is a life-long condition that pervades all racial and social groups worldwide. Because of its high incidence that appears to be increasing, major research is now on its way in many countries, but particularly in America, Britain, France and Italy, to try to determine causes. Prognosis for autistic children varies as widely as the range of disabilities. The Society’s objective for children is to develop children at The Key School to the point where they can either gain as much independence as possible, or move onto mainstream schooling and to a near normal life thereafter. 70% of children with Autism will however require life-long care. For older children our aim is to provide sheltered employment on the model of communities already successfully operating in America, Britain and elsewhere. The communities provide a life not at all cut off from the wider community.