about
Paul and Humile Mashatile Foundation
What We Do
Acceptance and Inclusion
Advocating for the acceptance of neurological differences and the inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of society, including education, employment and social activities.
Strengths-Based Perspectives
Recognising and leveraging the unique strengths and talents that often accompany individuals with neurodivergent conditions, rather than focusing solely on challenges.
Accommodation and Support
Promoting the implementation of accommodation and support services that help autistic individuals succeed in various environments.
Self-Advocacy and Empowerment
Encouraging educators, supporting parents and autistic individuals to advocate for their own needs and rights in order to gain autonomy and self-determination.
Support for Caregivers
It is easy to overlook the fact that caregivers need support. Accordingly, we equip caregivers with the right knowledge and insights to help them cope with their caregiving tasks. This support includes emotional support and morale boosting encouragement. We also provide a platform for caregivers to support one another and share their experiences and knowledge.
Research and Progress
Notwithstanding the dearth of neurodiversity research in Southern Africa, encouraging strides are being made. We aim to collaborate with research institutes, and relevant NGOs to provide data-led insights and learnings into neurodiversity. We also want to explore the role of the latest technology both as research and assistive tools.
Our Objectives as a Foundation are:
- Awareness and Education: Raise public and institutional awareness of autism and neurodiverse conditions, targeting schools, healthcare providers, communities, and businesses.
- Research and Data Collection: Enhance research on neurodiversity, focusing on the specific needs of autistic individuals in Southern Africa.
- Support and Services: Provide critical services to autistic individuals and their families, including diagnostic support, advocacy, and relevant resources.
- Inclusive Education: Advocate for the implementation of inclusive education policies and practices in South African schools.
- Employment and Economic Empowerment: Promote inclusive employment practices that provide autistic individuals with access to meaningful and sustainable job opportunities.
- Partnership and Collaboration: Foster partnerships with government, civil society, businesses, and academic institutions to amplify impact.
A Future that Supports
We work to break down these barriers by promoting social understanding, education and research, and empowering healthcare providers and educators.Support is what we’re all about and four principles undergird this approach:
- Acceptance and Inclusion: Advocating for the acceptance of neurological differences and the inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of society, including education, employment and social activities.
- Strengths-Based Perspectives: Recognising and leveraging the unique strengths and talents that often accompany individuals with neurodivergent conditions, rather than focusing solely on challenges.
- Accommodation and Support: Promoting the implementation of accommodation and support services that help autistic individuals succeed in various environments.
- Self-Advocacy and Empowerment: Encouraging educators, supporting parents and autistic individuals to advocate for their own needs and rights in order to gain autonomy and self-determination.
Partnerships and Collaborations
We aim to contribute to the pressing need for research and engagement with practitioners and communities in order to build deep knowledge around neurodiversity in Southern Africa.
Research and consultation should focus on identifying specific challenges and barriers faced by people that present with neurodiverse conditions. This will help to enhance policy, innovation and highlight good practices that empower individuals and raise societal awareness.
Clear and impactful actions need to be included in “Autism Innovation Strategies” in order to respond to identified challenges, and complement ongoing actions under existing national strategies.