APRIL is recognised as Autism Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting deeper understanding, acceptance and meaningful support for individuals living on the spectrum. For one family in Merebank, however, this month carries profound personal significance, as their day-to-day lives are shaped by unwavering love and compassion.

Also read: Autism awareness: The Bluff parents share their journey as parents of children with autism

The diagnosis:

Neville-Lee Kuppan has been caring for her three daughters, Zoey (10), Zarah (8) and Zamia (6). Her life took a pivotal turn when Zarah was diagnosed with autism shortly after her second birthday. This diagnosis set her family on a path filled with both challenges and profound joy.

“That moment changed our lives in ways I could never have imagined. Since then, our journey has been one of learning, patience, and deep love,” she said.

It is different for everyone:

Neville-Lee added that autism is not one-size-fits-all, it is a spectrum. Zarah, who is non-verbal, communicates primarily through gestures, which can create moments of frustration when she struggles to express her needs.

“Those are the hardest times. As a parent, there is nothing more painful than not being able to fully understand your child in that moment. Over time, we have learned her ways of communicating, but the emotional weight of those moments never truly fades,” she said.

The years immediately following Zarah’s diagnosis were particularly demanding. Sleepless nights became part of everyday life, as Neville-Lee juggled the need to comfort her daughter alongside the demands of daily responsibilities.

Adding to the challenges was that Zarah was also diagnosed with angioedema, a condition that provokes severe allergic reactions. Everyday substances such as rubber, plastics, grass and certain spices can trigger uncomfortable swelling and hives. “The difficult part is that she is unable to voice how she is feeling when dealing with these symptoms,” said Neville-Lee

Every step is a step forward:

Despite these hurdles, the Kuppan household treasures every milestone Zarah reaches. Achievements that might appear modest to others carry tremendous significance within their home.

“Moments like her being out of diapers or finally sleeping through the night are not small victories in our world, they are everything,” she said.

Zarah attends the Colours of Bliss Autism Centre, where her progress has been impressive. Neville-Lee expresses deep gratitude toward Kubashnie Padayachee and the team there for fostering an environment that is both nurturing and understanding.

Love all around:

At home, Zarah is enveloped in love, especially from her sisters. Neville-Lee said they demonstrate a maturity that allows them to provide comfort during meltdowns and just show their sister patience and unconditional love.

“As a parent, there is no greater pride than seeing your children support one another in such a genuine way. They not only love their sister unconditionally but also take it upon themselves to educate others. They speak openly about autism with their friends, helping to create awareness and understanding from a young age,” she said.

Creating a support system:

Reflecting on their experience, Neville-Lee urges other parents facing similar journeys to seek out support networks and recognise they are not isolated in their struggles. “There will be days when you feel completely overwhelmed, days when the weight of it all feels too heavy to carry. In those moments, it’s important to remind yourself that you are not alone, even when it feels that way. This journey is not the end of your story, it is just a different path,” she said.

Neville-Lee added that as families you should learn to find solace in each other. “Zarah’s father Joash Kuppan has been great with her from her early years,” she said.

Moreover, she points to the considerable challenges faced by families affected by autism, particularly the financial burden of essential therapies and the scarcity of accessible resources. Neville-Lee advocates for increased systemic support to bridge these gaps, stressing that children on the autism spectrum deserve not only verbal acknowledgment but tangible inclusion and acceptance.

As Autism Awareness Month brings these realities to light, the Kuppan family hopes their story will inspire broader empathy and understanding within the community.

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