Autism Connect

09/11/2026

💙 CALL FOR BOARD MEMBERS – AUTISM CONNECT 💙

Autism Connect is growing, and we are opening up applications for suitable candidates to join our Board.

We are looking for passionate, committed and skilled individuals who share our vision of creating inclusive, supportive spaces where children and young adults on the autism spectrum can unlock their potential.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- Governance / Law / Finance
- Education / Special Needs
- Healthcare / Occupational Therapy / Mental Health
- Fundraising / Marketing / Community Development
- Non-Profit Management

As a Board Member, you will play a vital role in guiding our strategy, strengthening our governance, and helping us expand our impact in the community.

If you have a heart for service and a desire to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

📧 To apply, please send your CV and a short motivation letter to: [email protected]
📅 Closing date: 16 November 2026

Please share this with anyone who may be a great fit.

Together, we can build a future where every individual is understood, supported and empowered.

05/11/2026

🇳🇦 Day 3 | 6th World Autism Organisation Congress — Namibia

What an incredible way to close this powerful congress!

Today, I had the immense privilege of presenting on my journey:

“Leaving No Autistic Behind — A 14-Year Journey”

To stand before this global community and share our story was truly humbling. Fourteen years of learning, growing, advocating, and believing that every child, every person, matters. That no one should be left behind — not in education, not in communication, not in life.

Points of Reflection as we close Day 3:

1. Our Voices Matter
Today reminded me that when we speak up for the voiceless, we give them a voice. Our story is proof that small beginnings can grow into something that changes lives.

2. Community Is Everything
From Namibia to the world, we are connected by a shared mission. We have met incredible families, professionals, and advocates who carry the same passion and heart.

3. The Journey Continues
A 14-year journey is just the beginning. We leave Namibia with renewed strength, new knowledge, and a deeper commitment to leaving no autistic person behind — ever.

4. From Namibia to the World
As we close this congress, my heart is full. To Autism Connect, to our learners, our families, and our community — this presentation was for you. Thank you for walking this journey with me.

A huge thank you to the World Autism Organisation for hosting such an inspiring and life-changing congress. I am leaving Namibia with a full heart, a clear vision, and so much hope for the future.

Until we meet again in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2030 — we carry this work forward with pride.

With gratitude and love,

From the desk of Director Nicolette Ripepi
Founder & Director, Autism Connect Skills & Support Centre
World Autism Organisation Autism Connect Skills Centre Autism Connect Autism South Africa

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

With World Autism Organisation – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

04/11/2026

🇳🇦 Day 2 | 6th World Autism Organisation Congress — Namibia

What a powerful and deeply moving second day!

Today we were reminded, in every session, in every story, and in every voice, of why we do what we do.

And one message stayed with me all day:

“Non-speaking doesn’t mean I have nothing to say.”

That one sentence says it all. It’s why we show up. It’s why we learn. It’s why we fight for communication, inclusion, and the right to be heard for every individual. Because every person has something to say — we just need to listen differently.

Today was packed with reminders of why we do what we do, and why attending these congresses matters so much. To hear from advocates, families, practitioners, and leaders who live this journey every day — to be reminded that we are not alone, and that together, we are changing lives.

And what an exciting announcement to end the day with:

The next Congress will be in New Zealand in 2030 — in Christchurch! 🇳🇿

What an amazing first two days. I am so grateful to be here representing Autism Connect Autism Connect Skills Centre and every other organisation doing amazing work, learning from the world, and bringing back hope, knowledge, and renewed purpose for our community back home. World Autism Organisation Autism So What Saint Gentleman Men's Group Autism South Africa

Stay tuned for Day 3 — there is so much more to come!

With gratitude,

From the desk of Director Nicolette Nicolette Wendy Ripepi
Founder & Director, Autism Connect Skills & Support Centre

03/11/2026

✨ YOU ARE INVITED! ✨
Introducing S2C — Spell to Communicate

Different abilities. Same dreams. 💙💚

In celebration of National Disability Rights Awareness Month*, Autism Connect is honoured to be collaborating with the Western Cape Government — Department of Social Development for a very special morning of learning, inclusion, and empowerment.

Join us as we introduce S2C (Spell to Communicate) — a motor-based approach to communication that is giving a voice to so many nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals. Because every person deserves to be heard, understood, and included.

📅 Date: 20 November 2026
🕙 Time: 10H00 – 13H00
📍 Venue: Carel Du Toit, Tygerberg Hospital Grounds, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow

This is more than an event — it’s about opening doors, building understanding, and creating a disability-inclusive society where communication is a right, not a privilege.

Hosted by the Western Cape Government Department of Social Development* in collaboration with *Autism Connect*, Autism So What , Saint Gentleman Men's Group & The Sisu Hub .

📩 RSVP:
Nicolette Wendy Ripepi — [email protected] | 079 226 0063
_or_
Leandra Sylvester – Rose — [email protected] | 076 391 1789

Spaces are limited, so please RSVP to secure your seat. Bring a friend, a colleague, a parent, a teacher — anyone who believes in inclusion.

Let’s come together to learn, to listen, and to unlock potential. 💙

03/11/2026

🇳🇦 Day 1 | 6th World Autism Organisation Congress — Namibia

What an incredible first day!

From the moment we arrived, we were met with such a warm and heartfelt welcome from the President of the WAO (Namibia), Petra Dillman. Thank you for opening your beautiful country to us and for setting the tone for a congress filled with learning, connection and hope.

We then had the privilege of hearing Juliet Carter, Director of Autism South Africa, take us through “The History of Autism” — a powerful reminder of how far we have come, and how much further we still have to go together. World Autism Organisation Autism South Africa

And to end the day, an unforgettable keynote address from the legendary Prof. Temple Grandin on “The Importance of Early Intervention.” The words were inspiring, practical, and a beautiful reminder of why early support changes lives.

What an amazing first day. I feel so honoured to be here representing Autism Connect Autism Connect Skills Centre , learning from leaders from around the world, and bringing back knowledge that will help us better support our families, our learners, and our community.

Stay tuned for Day 2 — there is so much more to come!

With gratitude,

From the desk of Director Nicolette Wendy Ripepi
Founder & Director, Autism Connect Skills & Support Centre
Unlocking Your Potential

31/10/2026

31/10/2026

Keep your eyes on the ground for Autism Connect at the 6th World Autism Congress happening in Namibia 👌🎈💕

19/10/2026

Thank You 💙

To all the parents and families of our future enquirers who joined us for our Open Day on Saturday, 17th October at our Early Learning Centre — thank you.

Your turnout was incredible. Your presence, your questions, your stories, and your hope filled the room.

It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and how deeply this support is needed in our community.

To every family who took the time to visit, to listen, and to dream with us about 2027 — we see you, we appreciate you, and we are so excited for the journey ahead.

This is just the beginning. Together, we are unlocking potential.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Autism Connect Team