Welcome to Autism Bridge Africa (ABA). 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.
Our Story: From Diagnosis to Purpose
In September 2016, I completed my PhD and began working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in South Africa. Like any early-career academic, I looked forward to building my professional career. However, life changed dramatically after my son was born in May 2017.
Between the ages of one year and 18 months, we noticed his development was different from other children. At age two, he was formally diagnosed with autism.
The reality of raising an autistic child in an environment with very limited support quickly became clear. My son required:
- Constant supervision
- Regular medical appointments
- Intensive daily therapy and care
Committing to full-time work, attending interviews, or accepting positions that required travel became nearly impossible. The challenge was not a lack of qualification or motivation—it was the profound absence of support services for families.
The Silent Crisis in South Africa
My personal struggle reflects a much broader, silent humanitarian and protection crisis affecting many refugees, migrants, and host community families in South Africa. Recently, a 13-year-old autistic boy tragically lost his life in Pretoria—a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerabilities our children face.
We are witnessing an increasing number of children with autism, yet families continue to face enormous barriers, including:
Severe Service Shortages: Securing a place in a suitable special school is often almost impossible.
Disproportionate Burden on Mothers: Mothers frequently sacrifice their careers and economic mobility to become full-time caregivers.
Social Isolation: Stigma and a lack of affordable respite care prevent parents from attending church, community gatherings, or basic social activities.
Compounded Vulnerabilities for Refugees: Migrant families face additional hurdles, including language barriers, documentation issues, poverty, and systemic exclusion.
Autism is not merely a health or education issue; it is a fundamental protection, inclusion, and human dignity issue. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every caregiver deserves community support instead of isolation.
Bridging the Gap Together
Autism Bridge Africa was established to turn these systemic challenges into pathways of hope. We have already begun raising autism awareness through church briefings, community engagement, and weekly support sessions for parents and caregivers to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
But we are only at the beginning of this journey. To expand our work into structured healthcare referrals, professional therapy, caregiver respite care, and stronger protection interventions, we need to build sustainable partnerships.
We actively invite collaboration from:
- The UNHCR
- Government departments
- Healthcare providers and therapists
- Schools, universities, and civil society organizations
Together, we can build an inclusive support system where refugee, migrant, and host community families affected by autism are no longer left behind.
Thank you for standing with us.
Dr. Ajebush Argaw Shafi
Founder, Autism Bridge Africa
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