Living with autism: Duncan’s journey of hope and inspiration
Twenty-year-old Duncan Mphahlele opens up about his autism diagnosis, challenges, and the support system that helps him navigate daily life.
POLOKWANE – As Duncan Mphahlele (20) sits and chats with those around him, very few will notice the differences between him and others of his age.
The subtle delay in language, limited eye contact and repetition of questions asked to him often go unnoticed.
At the age of five, Duncan was a typical boy, with some differences from his peers. His parents began to notice these differences and had him evaluated.
“I was in pre-school when my parents suspected something was not right. They wanted answers and sent me for evaluation. This is when doctors gave them the news that I am autistic,” he said.
Duncan recalls that it was a difficult period when he had to change schools.
He eventually settled at the Mitchell House Enrichment Centre.
“After I realised these people are the same as I am, it got easier. In the beginning, they scared me,” he said.
Duncan describes autism not as a disease, but as a condition that is part of who he is and does not go away.
He completed his schooling at Mitchell House Enrichment Centre at 18 and is now busy with online studies to obtain his Gr 11 qualification. He also works at Greener Tidings.
Duncan says he has learnt over time how to manage challenges. Familiar environments make it easier for him to cope with other difficulties.
“The unknown makes me uncomfortable and life difficult. When I do experience stress, I focus on something else, breathe deeply, count down from 10, and often just walk away,” he said.
He describes his support system as people who understand and accommodate his needs. While making friends can sometimes be difficult, he says it also depends on the situation.
“I even try to make small talk here and there. I’m very interested in IT and computers, and I can keep a conversation on that for a long time,” he said.
Duncan also recalled how he is sometimes misunderstood. He recalls an incident where a person was injured, and bystanders shouted at him to remove his shirt to help.
Confused by the situation and the noise, he chose to walk away.
“Some days are good, and others are hard, bad and messy, but in the end, you will understand what is out there,” he said.
