Mother’s love inspires autism acceptance and understanding in Masoyi
Tshidi Mokoena described her journey as emotionally challenging as she had to relocate to support her child.
A mother’s mission to advocate for her son and others with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved into an initiative to educate and unite her community.
Tshidi Mokoena (30) believes children with special needs deserve love, understanding and protection from bullying. She hosted a small but impactful event at the Silwanendlala Drop-in Centre on Tuesday, August 12.
“The aim of the event was to create a safe platform for parents of autistic children to seek guidance or support,” said Mokoena. “I want them not to hide their kids. I saw the need to educate parents so they know how to live with and nurture their special children.”
Mokoena described her journey as long and emotionally challenging. She had to relocate to ensure her son received a proper education for children with specialised needs, without facing judgement.
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“My seven-year-old is a sweet, quiet child. He didn’t reach his milestones like other kids, but I thought he was just developing at his own pace. Over time, I noticed patterns I couldn’t ignore, such as sensitivity to sounds, avoiding eye contact, repeating phrases and becoming overwhelmed in crowded places. Even then, I wasn’t sure what to make of it,” she said.
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It took several doctor visits, early intervention screenings and research before her son received a diagnosis that changed everything and helped her understand his needs. “It wasn’t a loss. It was a shift. I realised I needed to meet him where he was, not where I thought he should be,” she said.
Mokoena emphasised that she is not an expert, but aims to serve as a bridge between families and understanding.
“There’s still so much misinformation and judgement out there. Autism isn’t always obvious. It’s not a tragedy – it’s a different way of experiencing the world. The more we understand that, the better we can support these incredible kids.”
