How to access free support for Autistic Children in South Africa — a Step-by-Step Guide
- Aug 11
- 9 min read
If you think your child may be autistic (or a health worker has raised concerns), it can feel overwhelming — especially if you don’t have money for private assessments or therapy.
Below is a plain-language, practical guide on how to access free support for autistic children in South Africa — read this Step-by-Step Guide for low-income families that you can follow right now to get free or subsidized help through the public system and non-profit organizations in South Africa.
Quick Overview — The Route most Families follow
Notice developmental red flags → bring them to your local clinic.
Clinic / primary health care (PHC) does screening and refers to a district hospital or child-development team.
Multidisciplinary public assessment (paediatrician/psychologist/OT/speech) or hospital clinic — this creates medical reports you can use for services and grants.
Use hospital social worker to apply for social assistance (Care Dependency Grant) and get help with schooling referrals / Department of Basic Education supports.
While you wait (these services often have long queues): link with NGOs for free parent training, support groups and helplines.
How to Access Free Support Services for Autistic Children in South Africa
Step 1 — Notice, record and bring evidence with you
What to watch for: differences in social interaction, delayed speech, little eye contact, repetitive behaviors or unusual sensory responses. Use the Road to Health booklet or ask the nurse to check developmental milestones — this booklet is used by public clinics to track growth and development. Keep a short diary of examples (when your child started/what they can/can’t do).
Why this matters: the clinic and the referral team will ask for concrete examples and your child’s clinic/Road-to-Health record.
Step 2 — Go to your nearest primary health clinic (PHC) now
Say this when you arrive (a short script you can use):
“Good morning. I’m worried about my child’s development and would like a developmental screening and a referral to the child-development / paediatrics team. Can I see the nurse or facility manager?”
What the clinic should do for you:
Do or arrange a developmental screening and record concerns in the child’s clinic card / Road to Health booklet.
Refer your child to the district hospital paediatric or child-development clinic (speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology) if needed.
Link you with the hospital social worker for help accessing social grants or support programs.
If the clinic staff are unsure: insist on speaking to a sister/clinic manager or the nearest community health center — it is their role to make the referral.
Step 3 — What happens at the hospital / child-development clinic
Public hospitals often run multi-disciplinary child-development clinics (paediatrician + OT + speech therapist + psychologist). The team will assess your child and write medical reports. These reports are the key documents you will need for school support, social grants and specialist referrals. Expect waiting lists — but get the referral and the paperwork started.
Step 4 — Apply for Social Support / Grants (Care Dependency Grant)
If your child has a permanent severe disability, you may qualify for the Care Dependency Grant (CDG) — a monthly grant for caregivers of children with severe disabilities. The SASSA process usually includes a medical assessment by a state medical officer and application with a SASSA official; hospital social workers often help families complete the application. Bring medical reports, ID, the child’s birth certificate and the Road to Health/Clinic Card.
Helpful SASSA info:
Official SASSA info on Care Dependency Grant (steps, medical referral and required documents), see Government of South Africa.
Download info on the Care Dependency Grant here:
Step 5 — Get education support (schools, DBST and inclusive education)
Children with additional support needs can be placed in:
a mainstream school with accommodations and support (through a District-Based Support Team / DBST),
a full-service school, or
a special school / resource center (if needed).
Start by telling your local school principal you have a medical report and request a DBST assessment and an Individual Support Plan (ISP). The Department of Basic Education’s inclusive education policies and White Paper 6 describe how the system should support learners with special needs; your child is entitled to assessment and support. Keep copies of all medical and school reports.
Step 6 — Link with non-profits and free supports while you wait
Many charities and NGOs run free or low-cost parent training, walk-in resource centers, support groups and telephone counselling. They can also help you navigate the public system (referrals, school placement, social grants).
Key organizations to contact (national & provincial):
Autism South Africa — national support, resources and provincial service directory. Contact their office for local service referrals.
Action in Autism (KwaZulu-Natal) — resource center, parent support & free diagnostic/outreach days; phone +27 31 563 3039 / info@actioninautism.org.za.
Autism Western Cape — parent support, workshops and service points in the Cape Town area; contact via their website.
Ernie Els / Els for Autism (South Africa) — offers parent-led interventions and programs to support lower-resourced families. Phone: 011 484-7254 (check local listings to find current contact methods). *NOTE They are use ABA.
Childline South Africa — free 24/7 counselling for children and families: 116 (free from all networks). Good for immediate emotional support, crisis help and referrals.
Autism South Africa’s site also lists provincial service providers so you can find local NGOs near you, follow this link for more info: Autism South Africa - Service Providers
Step 7 — Practical documents Checklist (what to take to clinic, hospital & SASSA)
Bring the originals and copies where possible:
Your ID and the child’s ID / birth certificate.
Clinic card / Road to Health booklet (this shows vaccinations and developmental notes).
Any letters from teachers, or notes with concrete examples of concerns.
Proof of residence (if SASSA asks).
Bank details (SASSA may need them).
Medical reports (if you already have any).
A small notepad so you can write dates, staff names and appointment details.
SASSA / social worker note: SASSA will normally refer the child for a state medical officer’s assessment and must be present when the application form is completed — social workers at hospitals often help families with the forms.
Useful scripts — what to say (short and clear)
To the clinic nurse: “I’m concerned about my child’s development (gives two examples). I’d like a developmental screening and a referral to the child-development clinic.”
To the social worker: “Can you help me apply for the Care Dependency Grant (or apply for assistance) and make a referral to SASSA?”
To the school principal: “My child has a medical report saying they need extra support. Can we open a file with the DBST and make an Individual Support Plan?”
If you run into barriers / long waiting lists
Ask for written confirmation of the referral and the date it was made (this helps escalate later).
Ask to speak to the facility manager if you are not getting a referral.
Connect with the NGOs above — they often run outreach clinics, parent training and can help advocate for school placement and grants.
Know your Rights Reminder (keep this handy)
South Africa has policies that require government support and inclusive education for children with disabilities — including the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Education White Paper 6. You are entitled to request assessments and reasonable support for your child. If you face discrimination, organizations such as Section27, Centre for Child Law and provincial disability organizations can advise further.
Quick Contact List (start here)
SASSA — Care Dependency Grant info & application
Department of Social Development (national helpline) — 012 312 7727 (ask for your provincial/local office).
Autism South Africa (national) — contact & provincial service directory (use to find local providers).
Action in Autism (AiA) — Durban resource centre — Tel: 031 563 3039 · info@actioninautism.org.za.
Autism Western Cape — Tel: 021 462 8232 · admin@awc.org.za.
Ernie Els / Els for Autism (SA) — Ernie Els Centre for Autism (Johannesburg) — Tel: 011 484 7254 (check local pages for latest).
Childline South Africa (24/7 counselling) — 116 (free from all networks).
Resources List & Contact Details
Here are the contact details for the key support organizations you can reach out to for free or subsidized services for autistic children, especially for low-income families in South Africa:
Autism South Africa (A;SA) — National Service & Referrals
Offers provincial directories, education, parent support, and resource navigation.
Phone: +27 11 484 9909
Website: https://www.aut2know.co.za/
Alternative contacts:
Administration: info@autismsa.org / +27 76 656 8127
Counselling: outreach@autismsouthafrica.org / +27 82 448 0544 (Mon & Wed only)
Finance & resources: claudia@autismsouthafrica.org / +27 82 330 6894
National Director: director@autismsouthafrica.org / +27 72 202 6366
Address: 24 Sussex Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Action in Autism (KwaZulu-Natal)
Provides parent training, resource center, walk-in support, and outreach.
Phone: 031 563 3039
Email: info@actioninautism.org.za
Website: https://www.actioninautism.org.za/
Address: 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal; PO Box 30210, Mayville
Ernie Els Centre for Autism (South Africa)
Offers parent-led intervention, free e-learning, and the #GameON Autism Golf program for lower-resourced families.
Phone: +27 11 484 7254
Email: shani.zuk@ernieels.com (alternatively, infoSA@elsforautism.org)
Address: The Children’s Memorial Institute, Gate 13, corner of Empire Rd & Joubert Street Ext, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Autism Western Cape
Provides parent support, workshops, and provincial referrals.
Phone: 021 557 3573
Website: www.autismwesterncape.org.za
Childline South Africa — 24/7 Free Counselling
Provides free, toll-free counselling for children and families across SA—great for emotional support, crisis help, and referrals.
Helpline (24/7, free from all networks): 116
Website: https://www.childlinesa.org.za/
National Office (admin enquiries): Tel: +27 31 201 2059,
Email: admin@childlinesa.org.za
Eastern Cape regional office: Tel: +27 43 722 1382,
Quick Reference Table
Organisation | Services Offered | Contact Details |
Autism South Africa (A;SA) | National resource directory, referrals, support | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Action in Autism (KZN) | Parent support, walk-in center, outreach | Tel: 031 563 3039 Email: info@actioninautism.org.za |
Ernie Els Centre (Johannesburg) | Parent training, free e-learning, sports program | Tel: 011 484 7254 Email: shani.zuk@ernieels.com |
Autism Western Cape | Workshops, parent support, regional referrals | Tel: 021 557 3573 |
Childline South Africa | 24/7 helpline, counselling, crisis support | Helpline: 116 Office: +27 31 201 2059 EC office: +27 43 722 1382 |
Here’s a provincial breakdown of the free or subsidized support, counselling, and intervention services for autistic children in South Africa, with a focus on NGOs and welfare organizations that help low-income families.
Eastern Cape
(Including Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha)
Organization | Services | Contact |
Autism Matters RSA (Nelson Mandela Bay) | Specialized classrooms, parent counselling/ training, inclusion advocacy. | Tel: 0812677960, Email: autismmattersrsa@gmail.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismMattersRSA/ |
Childline Eastern Cape | Free 24/7 telephone counselling, crisis help, referrals for child welfare issues (including disability). | |
Autism South Africa – EC referrals | Maintains list of local service providers and schools, offers parent guidance. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Western Cape
(Cape Town, George, rural WC)
Organization | Services | Contact |
Autism Western Cape | Parent support, inclusive education workshops, service point referrals. | |
Neurodiversity Centre (non-profit arm) | Subsidized therapy & assessment for families without medical aid. | Website: Neurodiversity Centre Foundation https://neurodiversitycentre.co.za/about/ |
Childline Western Cape | Crisis counselling for children/families, referrals to disability services. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 21 762 8198 |
KwaZulu-Natal
Organization | Services | Contact |
Action in Autism (Durban North) | Walk-in resource center, parent training, outreach, free diagnostic days. | |
Childline KZN | Counselling & referrals for child protection and disability support. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 31 312 0904 |
Gauteng
Organization | Services | Contact |
Autism South Africa Head Office (Parkwood, Johannesburg) | National coordination, resource directory, family support. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Ernie Els Centre for Autism (Braamfontein) | Parent-led intervention programs, free e-learning, outreach to under-resourced families. | Tel: 011 484 7254 Email: shani.zuk@ernieels.com Address: Children’s Memorial Institute, Gate 13, Empire Rd, Braamfontein |
Childline Gauteng | 24/7 crisis line and counselling. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 11 645 2000 |
Free State
Organization | Services | Contact |
Childline Free State | Counselling & referrals to local disability and welfare services. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 51 430 3311 |
Autism South Africa – FS referrals | Connects families to local therapists and support programs. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Mpumalanga
Organization | Services | Contact |
Childline Mpumalanga | Telephone counselling, referrals to developmental support. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 13 755 2299 |
Autism South Africa – MP referrals | Directory of autism services in the province. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Limpopo
Organization | Services | Contact |
Childline Limpopo | Counselling, referral to social workers & hospitals for assessment. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 15 291 2829 |
Autism South Africa – LP referrals | Support and service listings for rural families. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
North West Province
Organization | Services | Contact |
Childline North West | Crisis and counselling services for children with disabilities. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 18 384 8335 |
Autism South Africa – NW referrals | Provincial autism network support. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Northern Cape
Organization | Services | Contact |
Childline Northern Cape | Counselling, child protection, referrals to public health for developmental assessments. | Helpline: 116 Tel: +27 53 831 1641 |
Autism South Africa – NC referrals | Connects families to services in Kimberley and rural towns. | Tel: 011 484 9909 |
Final tips
Start at the clinic today — that first screening and referral is the most powerful move you can make.
Get copies of every report and referral — they make it easier to access grants and school support.
While you wait for public services, NGOs (listed above) can offer immediate parent training, support groups and sometimes short-term therapy or outreach clinics.
Conclusion
If you’re a parent in South Africa raising an autistic child — or think your child may be autistic — you don’t have to do it alone. Even if you can’t afford private consultations, there are free and low-cost services available in every province through the public health system and non-profit organizations.
References & Resource Credits
Autism South Africa (ASA). (n.d.). Autism South Africa. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.autismsouthafrica.org
National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). (n.d.). National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.ncpd.org.za
The Parent Centre. (n.d.). The Parent Centre. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.theparentcentre.org.za
Action in Autism. (n.d.). Action in Autism. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.actioninautism.org.za
Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA). (n.d.). Down Syndrome South Africa. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.downsyndrome.org.za
Department of Social Development (South Africa). (n.d.). Department of Social Development. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://www.dsd.gov.za
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