A family’s cry for help to find support for their child with Autism
On January 15, 2025, a concerned neighbour reported a case of child abuse to a member of the AFS-Khusela network. When a social worker from OCOF HHCSA arrived for a home visit the same day, they discovered a heartbreaking scene—an autistic child chained outside a locked security burglar door while his mother and sibling remained inside.
Background
Zandi, the mother, and Mpho, the father, were exhausted and overwhelmed. They explained that their 15-year-old son, Katlego, exhibited extreme behaviours such as aggression, hyperactivity, property damage, and wandering the streets. In a desperate attempt to manage his behaviour while caring for her three other children—aged 2 to 11 years—Zandi had resorted to confining him outside. Katlego had been on medication but had not received treatment since June 2024, leading to escalating behavioural challenges. Without a school to attend or a support system to rely on, the situation spiraled out of control.
The family had tried various methods to manage Katlego’s behaviour but felt trapped. They struggled to balance work shifts with caregiving responsibilities, and their strained relationships with extended family members only added to their burden. Without access to the right support services, Zandi felt as though she was running out of options.
Systemic challenges
The family was already overwhelmed, struggling to care for the other children in a small home that lacked space. Katlego’s special needs required access to medical aid for proper care and regular check-ups, which they couldn’t afford. Zandi felt that she could no longer manage her son’s care alone and expressed a desire for him to be placed in a home for children with disabilities. Recognising the urgency of the situation, OCOF HHCSA stepped in to create a structured support plan to ensure Katlego received the care and stability he needed.
The family was confused and frustrated, wondering why Katlego’s symptoms weren’t improving. They expected the medication to solve the issues they were facing, but when his behaviour worsened instead, they stopped giving him the medication due to their lack of information.
AFS-K and OCOF HHCSA intervention support
OCOF HHCSA referred the family to Autism South Africa (Autism SA) for expert guidance. Autism SA provided invaluable insights into autism-related behaviours, the role of medication, and strategies for managing restlessness and aggression. Through ongoing counseling, the family began learning ways to create a structured environment to support Katlego’s needs. Education is crucial for children with autism, but without medication and proper behavioural support, attending school was impossible for Katlego. OCOF HHCSA connected the family with Takalani Special Needs School, which specialises in working with autistic children. The school expressed concerns about Katlego’s lack of medication, which impacted his ability to engage and make progress. However, they committed to enrolling him once his treatment resumed.
Recognising the family’s financial strain, OCOF HHCSA also followed up with SASSA regarding the Care Dependency Grant application. This grant required Katlego to be on medication, along with additional documentation, including a doctor’s letter and proof of household income. OCOF HHCSA is actively assisting the family in gathering the necessary paperwork to ensure a successful application. To ease the family’s burden, three caregivers with prior experience in home-based support were identified. These caregivers are currently undergoing background checks through the Department of Social Development and will receive specialised training from Autism SA. The family was also accompanied to a public hospital for a medical assessment. Given the discontinuation of Katlego’s medication, which contributed to his aggressive behaviour, the family needed to obtain a referral letter from a private hospital (where Katlego previously received treatment) to resume his medication regimen.
Where is the family now?
With the combined efforts of OCOF HHCSA, Autism SA, and Takalani Special Needs School, the family is now actively engaged in a structured support plan. Katlego’s medication is set to resume following the medical assessment, and Takalani Special Needs School is prepared to accommodate him once treatment is restarted. The family is also in the process of securing financial assistance through SASSA, and Temporary Safe Parents are awaiting training to provide additional caregiving support at home.
Ongoing support for long-term stability
OCOF HHCSA remains committed to providing continuous support to the family, ensuring they receive the resources needed to create a stable home environment. Autism SA will continue to offer monthly counseling and parental skills training to help manage challenging behaviors. Regular home visits will support the family in implementing structured routines. Respite care options will be explored to give Zandi the relief she desperately needs. School transport arrangements will be made to ensure Katlego’s consistent attendance at Takalani.
This family’s journey has been marked by struggle, but with the right interventions in place, they are now on a path towards hope and stability. OCOF HHCSA will continue to monitor their progress, ensuring that Katlego receives the education, medical support, and loving care he deserves. By working together, we can ensure that no family faces their challenges alone, and that every child, regardless of their difficulties, has a chance to thrive.