FAITH first noticed changes in her son when he was about one year old. He had started saying mhamha, but suddenly stopped talking. “We thought it was because there were no other children around,” she recalls. “Everyone told us he would eventually catch up.” When he turned three, his paediatrician referred him for hearing tests which were normal, then a paediatric neurologist eventually diagnosed autism. The family immediately began therapy. Faith left her job because her employer could not accommodate the frequent therapy appointments. On the other hand, finding suitable childcare proved difficult. No relative was willing to support them. Fortunately, they stood together as a couple, unlike others who, under the pressures of raising a child with special needs, eventually separate.
Today, her son has improved and speaks fluently but she says society’s reactions are often harder than autism itself. “When we go to church or family gatherings, people stare if he becomes overwhelmed. They think he's naughty instead of understanding. They think we failed to discipline him. The looks can be more painful than the condition itself.”
Moyo shares a similar experience. “Relatives said we worried too much. Some suggested traditional remedies or believed our child had been bewitched.” These misconceptions continue to delay diagnosis and deepen stigma yet with the necessary assistance, the child can improve and become well.
Sometimes the child has a strong desire to walk around or keep moving and this may occasionally lead them to leave home or wander, if they are not closely supervised. Simple outings can become stressful. “Sometimes strangers start giving parenting advice without knowing anything about autism,” Moyo says. As a result, many families withdraw from social activities, not because they are ashamed of their child, but because they are tired of constantly explaining themselves.
School presents another major obstacle. Many schools in Zimbabwe lack the training and resources needed to support children with autism effectively. Moyo recalls visiting several schools before finding one willing to enrol his son. However, he cited that: “He mostly sits quietly at the back of the classroom because teachers have so many pupils. We worry he is present but not really learning.”
Many Zimbabweans have heard the word “autism," but few understand it. This has resulted in many children being misunderstood. Some are labelled stubborn or naughty, while others are believed to be cursed or possessed. Families with such children fear ridicule and discrimination, leading some to keep their children at home instead of allowing them to attend school, church or community activities. This misunderstanding has adverse effects on the children who end up getting isolated. This is why our understanding and attitude have to change.
Understanding autism (autism spectrum disorder or ASD)
Autism is not a disease. It is not contagious. It is not a curse or the result of poor parenting. Its exact cause remains unknown. The Autism Factsheet (World Health Organisation 2023) explains that autism is a condition that affects how a person’s brain develops. It influences how people communicate and interact with others. It is said to be part of neurodiversity, meaning brains work differently. Just as no two children are exactly alike, children with autism behave differently.
According to medical research, signs of autism may include delayed speech, little interest in playing with other children, a strong preference for routines or unusual sensitivity to noise. Every child is different, with unique strengths and support needs, hence parents should never feel ashamed to seek help. Therapy helps children to develop communication, learning, playing and daily living skills through services such as speech, language therapy and guidance for parents. Progress varies from child to child, but early support gives the best chance of positive long-term outcomes. Unfortunately, many Zimbabwean families spend months or years pursuing religious, traditional or informal explanations before receiving an accurate diagnosis. This has the effect of losing valuable time for early intervention.
The reality families face
Many parents recognise developmental differences well before they have answers but they sadly reassure themselves that their child will “grow out of it”. Others are told the child is simply stubborn or poorly disciplined.
The journey becomes even more difficult once the child's differences become visible to others. Many parents speak about the anxiety of attending church services or family gatherings. Children with autism may become overwhelmed by loud noises, crowds or unexpected changes in routine, leading to meltdowns. These behaviours are often misunderstood. Most parents with such children face judgement and criticism for their parenting. Some parents even become socially isolated because of lack of adequate understanding and support. For parents in rural communities, specialist healthcare is concentrated in a few urban centres, making regular therapy costly and inaccessible.
A reason for hope
Despite the challenges, there is hope. While autism has no cure, many children make remarkable progress with timely, individualised support. Families and communities can make a profound difference. When you see a child overwhelmed in public, choose understanding over judgement and encouragement over criticism. Every parent raising a child with autism is doing their best under circumstances many of us may never fully appreciate. Zimbabwe needs inclusive communities, schools and healthcare services, but above all, it needs compassion. Behind every diagnosis is a child who needs your understanding and a family who needs your support to navigate autism better. The greatest gift we can offer is seeking knowledge in order to understand.
Names have been changed to protect the identities of the families. The writers have experienced autism firsthand and have consulted a child health specialist in compiling this article.
Every April is Autism Awareness Month, but let us raise awareness, encourage understanding and show support throughout the year! Share your experiences with us!
