Autism Awareness Zimbabwe

Well done to every parent raising an autistic child.

The world applauds and glamorises luxury holidays, designer clothes, and flashy cars.
But behind closed doors — in the home that sometimes feels more like a carefully managed fortress than a sanctuary — you are doing heroic work no one sees.

You are keeping your child safe. You are creating comfort in a world that often overwhelms them.
You are regulating storms, navigating meltdowns, decoding silence, and absorbing exhaustion.

No one sees the burnout.
No one sees the mental load.
No one sees that something as simple as putting on your coat to go to the local shop requires strategy, planning, risk assessment — or childcare arrangements that are almost non-existent.

Your victories are quiet.
But they are monumental.

God sees you.
Your child sees you — even in ways they may never be able to fully express.
They feel your protection. They know your consistency. They rest in your presence.

They are grateful for you.

Be proud of yourself.
You answered God’s call to love and care for one of His precious ones — and you are doing it with courage, even on the days you feel like you’re barely holding it together.

Announcement: “Your Story Can Change Lives – Share Your Autism Journey Anonymously”

Would you like to share your Autism stories, journey or experiences anonymously on this platform? These may have a social impact, create an awareness or even outreach for help or support. We can build and uplift each other. Please feel free to send your story inbox and it will be shared anonymously.

This initiative forms part of a broader civil society effort to document lived experiences of autism in Zimbabwe in order to inform awareness campaigns, policy discussions, and community-based support structures.

As a parent of autistic kids most of the time you are the one who has to come up with the solutions to the challenges. These locks are available on Amazon. They are pretty strong and once that fridge is locked you can control the food. You can give them when they request and monitor as necessary. At least that way they don’t keep on opening and closing the fridge and playing with the food, the fridge doors and so on. I’m sure any of you who have experienced the challenges around the fridge area know how much of a challenge this can be.

Dear autism mums and dads,

We are walking a completely different road -
sometimes it feels like we’re living in our own world.

While others move through life as normal, we
learn new languages, new timelines, new victories.

The pressure can creep in, even when we’re already carrying so much.

Stay focused. Don’t let comparison distract you.
Full speed ahead, in the direction that’s right for your family.

You’re not alone on this road - even if it feels that way sometimes.

Love Marilyn
Admin

Happy New Year everyone. May 2026 be a year of learning, empowering and growing.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we stand together to remind our communities that mental health matters for everyone — including autistic people.

In Zimbabwe, many autistic individuals and their families face stigma, isolation, and limited access to support. Yet, with understanding, acceptance, and the right resources, every person can thrive.

Let us break the silence, challenge the stigma, and create safe spaces where mental health is openly spoken about.

A healthy mind is a human right, not a privilege.