Autism South Africa

Autism South Africa (A;SA) is a robust Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in South Africa, made up of a small team of dedicated parents, siblings, autistic adults and persons interested in improving the lives of autistic persons across their lifespan.  It was founded in 1989, marking to close to 4 decades of autism advocacy and support work in South Africa.  A;SA is recognised as the national autism organisation in South Africa (see the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) A;SA has a footprint representation in eight provinces.

Vision :

A;SA aspires to achieve a society in which all autistic people enjoy all rights and opportunities to meet their needs and fulfil their potential, throughout their lives, as equal members of their families and communities.

Mission:

• Celebrate and champion the diversity and creativity of autistic people
• Partner with and be relevant to autistic persons, their families and communities
• Identify and address the differing and changing needs of autistic infants, children, adolescents and adults
• Promote and protect the rights and advance the interests of all  those within the autism community
• Lead autism awareness, inclusion, support and advocacy throughout South Africa
• Draw on and contribute to national and international experience and expertise in the field of autism, while retaining a local and regional focus on its challenges and opportunities