Parents Support Groups

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Importance Of Parents Support Groups

Expecting a child comes with a lot of transitions and adjustments, parenting a child on autism spectrum disorder comes with a lot of characteristics, responsibilities and needs. Many parents with children on ASD feel very isolated and that nobody really understands the pressures of dealing with their child on a day-to-day basis. Support groups can be very helpful for families with a child on a spectrum.

Support groups enables parents to share information and experiences. They also serve as a safe space to vent about frustration and share their feeling with no judgement. I have come across a lot of support groups on Facebook and they are really necessary because a lot of advice and information is being shared on the platform. I also know some parents have created their own community WhatsApp groups where they share local schools, therapies and other services.
I believe that one can never have enough information when it comes to autism, we need groups, organizations and workshops to raise awareness. I will be sharing three organization in South Africa that can be beneficial for parents.

Autism Organizations in South Africa
  • MOCWA (Mothers Of Children With Autism) its a community organization that support parents with children on ASD through networking, information sharing and support. They had their 6th conference this year and one of my clients attended and she said she is definitely going for more conferences. If you want to know more about them you can click on their Facebook link MOCWA

  • The second organization is Inam, they increase awareness about autism and advocate for access to education for children on Autism. We do need organizations that help to raise awareness and that provide workshops which are information sessions on autism for parents, practitioners, caregivers and community at large. You can visit their website by clicking on the link Inam Foundation. You can also follow them on Facebook at  InamFoundation Facebook

  • The last one is Autism South Africa, they aspire to achieve a society in which persons with autism spectrum disorder enjoy all the rights and opportunities to meet their needs and fulfill their potential. Before corvid Autism South Africa would have autism walks every year in April for autism awareness and I really enjoyed them, hopefully after the pandemic the walks will continue. Autism South Africa also hosts online workshops for parents, caregivers and practitioners working with children on ASD. If you want to know more about them click on the link  Autism South Africa you can also follow them on social media at Autism South Africa

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