Stronger together
Community & Resources
Finding information. Sharing experiences. Building understanding together.
You don't have to know everything to begin.
Every family's journey with autism is different. Some families are looking for information following a diagnosis. Others are navigating school, communication, sensory challenges, or the transition from childhood into adulthood.
Sometimes the biggest question is simply where to start. Finding useful information and people who understand can make the journey feel a little less overwhelming.
At This Little Light Of Mine, we want to help families discover resources, learn from different experiences, and find practical starting points for their own journeys.
Who we areWe are a family sharing our lived experience, not a clinical service or formal support organisation. Our aim is to help make information easier to discover and encourage a community built on understanding, compassion, and inclusion.
Where to start
Resources to help you along the way
Autism information and awareness
Reliable educational resources can help families, educators, and communities learn about autism, communication differences, sensory experiences, and different support needs.
We encourage visitors to explore reputable organisations and seek individual guidance when making decisions about care, development, education, or support.
Support for families
Families may need different kinds of support at different stages: educational guidance, help understanding communication methods, assistance with daily living, caregiver support, or connecting with others.
There is no single support pathway that works for everyone. Ask providers about their experience, qualifications, availability, and suitability for your needs.
Education and learning
Some autistic children and young people may benefit from adjustments to the learning environment, visual supports, predictable routines, additional processing time, or other individualised approaches.
We hope to expand this section over time with resources relevant to families in South Africa.
Growing up and looking ahead
As autistic children become teenagers and adults, families may begin thinking about new questions. What support will be needed in adulthood? What opportunities for participation might be available?
We believe these conversations deserve greater attention.
Directory
South African organisations to explore
Useful starting points for discovering information and support. Services, programmes, and eligibility may change, so please check their official websites for current details.
Autism South Africa
The national autism organisation, working towards a society where autistic people can exercise their rights and reach their potential. Offers information, training, resources and advocacy, with service provider pages for each province.
Autism Western Cape
A non-profit founded in 1967 (formerly the Society for Autistic Children). Offers free post-diagnosis support, counselling, parent workshops, advocacy for the right to education, and training for teachers and practitioners in the Western Cape.
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC)
Based at the University of Pretoria, the centre works with people who have little or no functional speech and their families, through services, training, research and advocacy. A useful starting point for families exploring communication beyond spoken words.
Please verify current services and suitability directly with each organisation. Inclusion in this resource list does not constitute an endorsement of every service offered.
Share your experience
Sometimes, reading about another family's experience can help us feel less alone. A story may help someone understand a challenge they have struggled to explain, introduce a new perspective, or simply remind another family that different journeys can share common experiences.
You can tell us about a meaningful experience, a lesson you have learned, a resource you have found helpful, or something you wish more people understood about autism.
Submissions may be considered for publication on our website, with your permission. We will discuss publication and any necessary editing with you before sharing identifiable personal information.
A community built on respect
We believe a supportive community begins with listening. Autistic people and their families have different experiences, perspectives, and priorities. It is important to make room for those differences rather than assume that one story represents everyone.
We also recognise that our website is only one part of a much wider community of autistic people, families, educators, professionals, and advocates. We hope to learn from that community as our own journey continues.
Stay connected
Follow our family's journey on Facebook and Instagram for personal updates, reflections, and ongoing conversations. Visit our blog for longer articles and stories.
Have a resource to recommend?
We welcome suggestions for relevant South African autism resources, family support services, educational information, and inclusion initiatives. If you know of an organisation or resource that could help others, please get in touch.
This page is intended to help visitors discover information and organisations. It does not provide clinical advice or guarantee the availability, quality, or suitability of third-party services.