April is globally known as Autism Awareness Month, which is why a Middelburg mom has turned her personal journey into a community project aimed at the understanding and acceptance of autism.

Local photographer and super mom, Anri Groenewald recently hosted a portrait project, “For My Boy”, inviting families to take part in quick portrait sessions at her studio. The project is part of her efforts to raise awareness ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April.

For Anri, the initiative is deeply personal.

Her son Louis, affectionately known as Lewies, has been diagnosed with autism. He is non-verbal and functions at Level 3 on the autism spectrum.

“Autism is part of my everyday life,” said Anri. “My son may not communicate with words, but his way of communicating is still powerful and meaningful. This project reminds people that differences don’t need fixing – they need understanding and support.”

They received the diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic after Anri had to attend a medical appointment alone in Pretoria.

“Only one parent was allowed in the consulting room, so my husband had to wait outside. When the doctor said my son had the most severe level of autism, I suddenly felt dizzy. I expected to hear about autism, but hearing it out loud felt as if the ground disappeared beneath my feet.”

The diagnosis marked the start of a difficult period of uncertainty. “I didn’t know what our lives would look like or how much my son might have to struggle in this world. I also didn’t fully understand what autism meant.” she recalled.

According to her, many parents experience a form of grief after such a diagnosis. “Not because your child is gone, but because the life you imagined for them suddenly looks different. You grieve the milestones you thought would come naturally.”

“Over time, that uncertainty grew into determination.” “A deeper love, a stronger purpose and a determination to help the world understand your child.” she said

Reflecting on the portrait sessions, the Middelburg mom said the support from families left a lasting impression. “My heart is so full. To every family who showed up for this portrait project – thank you for your time, your trust and your willingness to be seen.” Anri also thanked local businesses like, BJ Digital Printing and Signs Middelburg, who supported the project by providing autism awareness shirts.

She says the portraits represent more than photographs. “This is awareness. This is acceptance. This is love. Every child, every story and every moment captured carries something powerful.”

The portraits will be shared on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, to encourage greater awareness and understanding of autism.

“This project is for my son, he deserves a world that tries to understand him.” Anri said with hope.