Autism Matters RSA, located in Nelson Mandela Metro, Gqeberha, is a non-profit organisation founded by a group of parents with children who have autism and related neurodiverse conditions. In response to the shortage of specialised schools in our province, we have taken proactive steps to establish educational facilities tailored to the unique needs of children and young adults with autism.
Our schools are strategically situated in Wells Estate at Coega Primary School, in Zwide at Msengeni Primary School, in Uitenhage, and in the northern areas of Gqeberha. In addition to providing education, we offer essential support services, including counseling and training for parents and families, helping them navigate the challenges of caring for individuals with disabilities. We also extend our expertise to center managers and government schools across South Africa, offering guidance on classroom setup and inclusive practices.
Through our collaborative efforts, Autism Matters RSA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism and related disabilities. We remain dedicated to fostering inclusivity, advocacy, and support within our community and beyond.
June 2024
We are launching a fundraising initiate to support the development of boarding facilities and preferred classrooms. These enhancements aim to provide autistic children with a nurturing and conducive learning environment.
January 2024
Through our dedicated efforts, we have reached and positively impacted the lives of over 200 autistic children. This significant milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for autistic children and their families. Our work not only focuses on immediate needs but also strives to build a foundation for long-term success and well-being. We are proud f the progress we have made and remains dedicated to expanding our reach and impact in the future.
April 2023
We organised our annual training initiative, bringing together educators from the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape. This crucial event aimed to provide teachers with comprehensive training on effectively working with autistic children. Throughout the sessions, participants gained valuable insights into understanding autism spectrum disorders, learning effective teaching strategies tailored to individual needs, and creating inclusive classroom environments. By empowering educators with the necessary knowledge and skills, we strive to enhance the quality of education and support available to autistic children within the Eastern Cape.
June 2022
We invited Autism Western Cape to conduct parent training sessions in East London, Eastern Cape. Additionally, we were invited as guest speakers by the Department of Education, Eastern Cape to their social development seminars. We also participated in the Beyond Zero Training sessions aimed at capacity building.
June 2022
After the national march, we launched a comprehensive nationwide rollout program aimed at training parents and support personnel. This initiative was designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively assist and care for autistic children. Our training program covers various aspects of understanding autism, effective communication strategies, behavioural management techniques and the creation of supportive environments.
April 2022
We thereafter, organised a peaceful march. This historic event took place in all provinces, organised by the founder of Autism Matters RSA, Mrs. Nobantu Qosho. During The March, parents handed over memorandums they had written to various government departments. In some provinces, participants marched to the Department of Education to advocate for improved school facilities for our autistic children.
April 2022
We were established in April 2022 after recognising a significant lack of support for children who are autistic and or neurodivergent in the Eastern Cape.
We gladly accept all types of donations, whether in cash , electronics, time or other forms of support.Your contributions are invaluable in helping us continue our mission and make a positive impact on the community. Volunteering your time is equally important, as it provides us with the manpower needed to carry out our various projects and initiatives.We are deeply grateful for your generosity and willingness to help, as every contribution, no matter the form, plays a crucial role in our efforts to make a difference. Thank you for your support.
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To make a donation , please fill out the form on the website. This will connect you with one of our directors who will be provide you with the necessary banking details and or information on where to send items for donations. We appreciate your support and generosity.
We are a provincial branch based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. As a collaborative organisation, we frequently partner with other autism organisations to achieve our shared strategic goal:helping autistic children thrive in this world.
We are registered NPO with the Department of Social Development, ensuring our accountability and transparency, which enhances our organisation's governance. Compliance with the requirements of the NPO Act is essential for our operations. Additionally, our NPO registration status meets the fundraising criteria for most donor and funding agencies. This national NPO registration facility integrates us into a public system that collects and disseminates information about the nonprofit sector, thereby increasing public confidence and trust in our work and the sector as a whole.
Yes, we warmly welcome visitors to out offices in Wells Estate. We are open Monday through to Friday from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We invite you to come by for a chat and a cup of coffee, whether you are looking for information about our programs, interested in volunteering, or simply wan to learn more about how we support autistic children and their families. Our friendly staff is always ready to answer your questions, provide guidance, and discuss how you can get involved or benefit from our services. We believe in building a strong, supportive community, and we look forward to meeting you and sharing our mission and work with you.
Help us build new pre-furbished classrooms!