Autism Connect breaks ground on state-of-the-art facility in Westridge

After six years of planning and setbacks, construction has finally begun on a state-of-the-art Autism Connect facility in Westridge, Mitchell’s Plain.

On Friday, August 1, officials from various government departments, including local municipalities and deputy mayor Eddie Andrews, gathered for a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of the multimillion-rand project. 

The facility will provide support and services for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Mitchell’s Plain. The school has faced several challenges over the years in securing a permanent location.

The dream of establishing a modern facility in Mitchell’s Plain, a hub for education, therapy, skills development, and community empowerment, is now a reality, according to the organisation that said the facility will be more than just a building; it will serve as a beacon of hope, a place where families can find support and where futures are built one connection at a time.

Founder of Autism Connect, Nicolette Ripepi, joined the community in celebrating the milestone. In her quest to secure land and funding for the school, Ms Ripepi tirelessly approached local councillors and the City of Cape Town, ultimately opening doors for this project.

During her speech, she highlighted the benefits of the partnership between the school and various stakeholders, which has positively impacted both the school and the wider community.

Ms Ripepi shared her motivation for founding Autism Connect: “My son Tyler is the reason we are here today. When I became a parent to him, I realised the challenges faced by parents of autistic children. Today is a momentous occasion. This dream has been six years in the making.”

Founded in 2013, Autism Connect began as a small initiative aimed at providing support for families, tailored education for children, and a voice for the autism community.

The founders were driven by a mission to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for neurodiverse individuals to grow, learn, and thrive. The event marked the beginning of construction on a centre dedicated to promoting peace, wellness, and spiritual growth.

Mr Andrews described Autism Connect as a beacon of hope for the people of Mitchell’s Plain. He acknowledged the challenges of acquiring land for the organisation and emphasised the facility's strategic location in Westridge, making it accessible to all families.

“The facility is conveniently located, which will encourage more parents to register their children,” he said, adding that he was committed to support autism initiatives.

Ward 8 councillor Ashley Potts spoke about the importance of community engagement and support for social initiatives.

He encouraged residents to contribute in various ways: “Support is not solely about financial contributions; it encompasses many forms of assistance. Those who can pledge money should do so, but everyone can also contribute by visiting, praying, or sending messages of encouragement. We need more of this support.”

Currently, Autism Connect operates in Strandfontein, empowering children, teenagers, and young adults on the autism spectrum.