Our mission
To promote the seamless integration of autistic and neurodivergent individuals into community spaces, and to advocate for sensory-friendly environments where everyone belongs.
About us
Active Autism & Neuro-Diversity Allyship Foundation brings people together through community events, information and autistic allyship.
Our story
Autism Allyship organises community activities and shares information for autistic and neurodivergent people, their families and allies.
I am an ally.
Why allyship
Our focus is to broaden a network of allies: people who are not autistic themselves, or who have no real direct experience, but who still want to support autistic people and make environments inclusive.
The need to expand across sectors came from our founder's passion and belief that autistic advocates and allies are needed in every space, because autistic people have a right to enjoy a quality of experience beyond health and educational facilities.
The role of the Active Autism & Neuro-Diversity Allyship Foundation (AANDAF), known as the Autism Allyship Foundation NPC, is to ensure that the world is adequately equipped to accommodate and include children, adults and families affected by autism and neurodiversity. We aim to create a network of allies who, although not necessarily affected by autism or neurodiversity, are committed and empowered to create safe spaces, to help educate others, and to expand holistic inclusion and accommodations.
Our work is not only teaching about autism and neurodiversity and sharing the experiences of individuals in the autism community. We also present practical steps and strategies for making social spaces more inclusive, beyond just schools and healthcare facilities. We want to disrupt the way autistic people and those with invisible disabilities are supported, towards a fairer, non-ableist approach.
With every interaction and collaboration with institutions, we aim to guide participants to identify solutions within their own spaces.
Our logo
Every autistic person is different, just like every fingerprint and every brain. The many colours represent the different hemispheres of the brain.
What we stand for
Our vision
A world where every mind belongs, and where autistic and neurodivergent people are valued and included in every space.
Our values
Community, acceptance, advocacy and awareness guide everything we do, from the events we host to the resources we share.
The Annual Autism Family Picnic
The Annual Autism Family Picnic is our flagship event. It gives autistic individuals, their parents and families, friends and communities a day together of fun, interaction and play, with a bit of learning. Activities are designed for both parents and children, so the day caters to their needs. It is also a platform for parents and allies to exchange ideas on how to navigate this colourful world.
The relaxed format is very good for caregivers and allies. They get to engage with others in the same position, and to see their children interacting socially in an environment curated to support their sensory regulation. There is also time to bond and talk in small groups while relaxing, knowing that the needs of their autistic family members are catered for.
We fund our work through the sale of AANDAF merchandise, by hosting an Annual Autism Family Picnic every November (Disability Awareness Month), and by being available for community activations and speaking engagements.
See photos from past picnics Watch Channel Africa's feature on the 3rd picnic
Our voice in the community
The Foundation has taken part in conversations on the FeministMommy YouTube series, Rekord East and Channel Africa. Its community also includes the ShowUpCrew and the mascots Lumi and Ida.
Our team
Kgomotso Mmalegae Moalusi
Founder and director
Tlotleng Peter Monaisa
Founder and director