Autism BridgeAfrica
About Autism Bridge Africa
An inclusive Africa begins with dignity, opportunity and belonging for every autistic individual.
Established in 2026 in South Africa, Autism Bridge Africa (ABA) was founded by Dr. Ajebush Argaw Shafi. Her personal journey inspired a commitment to ensuring that no parent walks the autism journey alone.
ABA is a non-governmental, non-profit and independent organisation. We are non-political and non-religious, serving all communities with dignity, equity and compassion.
We serve as a bridge between autistic individuals, families, communities, professionals, researchers, policymakers and service providers. Through awareness, advocacy, education, research and community-based initiatives, we work towards better access to services and more inclusive education, healthcare and employment.
Rooted in South Africa, our vision is continental. Our work responds to Africa’s diverse communities, cultures and needs.
Our vision
To create an inclusive Africa where every autistic individual is accepted, empowered, and provided with equitable opportunities to thrive, participate fully, and reach their highest potential.
Our mission
Autism Bridge Africa is committed to advancing autism awareness, promoting early identification and intervention, strengthening family and caregiver support, advocating for the rights and inclusion of autistic individuals, and fostering research, partnerships, and capacity building to improve autism services and policies across Africa.
A message from our founder
Dr. Ajebush Argaw ShafiFounder & Executive Chairperson
“Our organization was born not from research or theory, but from lived experience and a deep commitment to ensuring that no family walks this journey alone.”
Dr. Ajebush’s founding message draws attention to the barriers families face: limited access to suitable services, the burden on caregivers, social isolation, and the additional challenges experienced by refugee and migrant families.
ABA has begun raising awareness through community engagement and church briefings, alongside weekly support sessions for parents and caregivers. The next step is to build sustainable partnerships that strengthen referrals, professional therapy, respite care and protection.
ABA invites government departments, healthcare professionals, schools, universities, civil society and development partners to help build a support system where refugee, migrant and host-community families are included.
Explore a partnershipHow we show up for individuals,
families and one another.
We treat every autistic individual and family with empathy, dignity, respect and understanding, recognising each person’s unique journey.
We champion equal opportunities and meaningful participation in education, healthcare, employment and community life.
Honesty, transparency, accountability and ethical practice guide our programmes, partnerships and decisions.
We build partnerships with families, professionals, communities, governments, academic institutions and the private sector.
We are committed to high-quality, evidence-informed programmes, research, advocacy and services.
We embrace creative, practical and research-driven solutions that respond to the needs of autistic individuals and families.
We share knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities that strengthen independence, capacity and resilience.
We promote rights, dignity and well-being by influencing policy, challenging stigma and advancing inclusive practices.
We celebrate people, cultures, languages, abilities and perspectives, with accessible work that responds to the communities we serve.
Join families, autistic individuals, professionals and supporters working towards a more inclusive Africa.