Mars Petcare uses creativity to launch the second Pets for People campaign.

23 April 2020, Johannesburg: The aim of the annual awareness campaign is to empower families with autistic children all over the globe with knowledge about the benefits pets can have on people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The theme for this year is creativity and family fun – focusing on the importance of Autism acceptance in South Africa.

While there are no accurate statistics for South Africa, the World Health Organisation estimates that one in 160 children globally are autistic. Vicky Lamb, the national education facilitator of Autism South Africa, estimates that about a million people in South Africa have autism, and signs begin to show around the age of 18 months to 2 years, with many parents reporting that their child is not speaking.

“We are excited to once again be working with Mars Petcare, in driving acceptance and embracing of autism in South Africa as part of the Pets for People campaign,” says Lamb “many people consider autism a disability, but this does not mean a person has brain damage – rather, it tells us that their brain has developed differently and that is why we are pushing for autism acceptance.’”

A study that was carried out by the University of Lincoln in the UK revealed that children with autism experience fewer meltdowns and their parents stress levels are significantly lowered when the children are in the presence of a pet.

“Pets can provide companionship, friendship, reduce loneliness and alleviate anxiety. Owning a pet can also foster responsibility in children and help families come together and participate in more activities.” explains, Tumi Masekela, Corporate Affairs Director for Mars Petcare.

Mars Petcare and its partners are engaging with families and communities to stand together while on lockdown and share pictures under the hashtag #PETS4PEOPLE to shed a light on the acceptance of autism in our communities.

Below are some fun activities that you can do as a family as part of the campaign:

1. Build blanket forts
Building a fort is a great pastime for adventure days or rainy weekends!
Build a blanket fort with different coloured blankets. This is an opportunity to see that not all forts are the same and not all people are the same.

2. Spend time with the furry members of the family
This can be a difficult and stressful time for pets just like us. We need to find ways to keep our pets preoccupied. Such as:
• We can play catch with them, or even make them go through makeshift obstacles, or let them run around within the house perimeter.
• Hydration is also a need for the wellness of your pets. Remember to keep them hydrated.

3. Bake your family’s favourite goodies
Get the whole family to participate and bake fun and colourful cakes. From decorating ice cream cone cakes to lunar cycle designs, everyone will love being creative and this will show how different we all are.

4. Art activities (painting, drawing or colour-in)
A colourful imagination and creativity are some of the amazing superpowers autistic people have. Share your drawings and paintings using the hashtag #PETS4PEOPLE to show us how we all view the world in different ways.

5. Dress up in rainbow colours
Be creative and use your imagination to create a human rainbow. This is to show how each human being’s experience of the world is unique.

“Despite the current challenge, let’s make 2020 the year where we accept and embrace not just Autism but Neurodiversity. Remember to share your pictures using the hashtag #PETS4PEOPLE and #AUTISMACCEPTANCE on social media,” says Lamb.

Watch the story of Iris & Thula to learn more about the benefits of pet ownership. If you would like more information on autism or think that someone in your family might be autistic, whether a child or an adult, please feel free to contact Autism South Africa on 011 484 9909 or email info@autismsouthafrica.org. If you would like to adopt a furry family member visit www.woodrockanimalrescue.co.za/

HEALTH DISCLAIMER

The information contained on this article is for information only. This information does not constitute medical advice and it should not be relied upon as such. Mars Petcare does not recommend any treatment and in all cases recommends that you consult your medical practitioner first.

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.