Liam’s journey is one of growth, discovery and resilience. He is a talented and sees the world through a beautifully unique way. As an autistic young man, he expresses himself through drawing – one of his greatest passions.
He began his education in a mainstream school, where he worked hard to keep up with the routines and expectations of a typical classroom environment. Early on, it became clear to both of us and his teacher that he experienced the world a little differently. He had unique ways of learning, communicating and interacting with those around him.
Following observations and concerns raised during his time in mainstream school, he was assessed by professionals, including a psychologist. After a thorough evaluation, he was diagnosed with Autism. While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also marked the beginning of a new path – one filled with greater understanding, support and opportunity. He then moved to an Autism Special School (Vera School for Autism) where the approach was tailored to his needs. The environment allowed him to flourish at his own pace, with educators and therapists who understood and nurtured his strengths.
After completing his time at the Vera School, he transitioned to a Vasco Special Needs Centre. The Centre continues to provide support, focus on life skills, independence and personal development. It’s a place where he is encouraged to be himself, and where he is individuality is respected and nurtured.
His story is not only about challenges -it’s also about the many small victories along the way. His journey is ongoing, and we are proud of the person he is becoming: someone with his own rhythm, his strengths, and a heart that continues to grow.
Hannah was born on 12 March 2003 at Vincent Pallotti Hospital. Caesarean birth. Hannah was very active as a baby. She didn’t crawl much and then started walking. We only noticed there was a problem when she was just pointing at things she wanted. Grommets were put. After her hearing was sorted, we enrolled her in at a creche and discovered that there were some learning problems. We took her to a psychologist, and the diagnosis was made that she is at the level of a 2-year-old instead of her age which was 5 at the time. She was diagnosed as having (Global Development Delay). We then applied to Filia School which is a school who caters for severe intellectual disabled children. She attended school till the age of 18.
Hannah is a very friendly and trustworthy child and loves people, likes to dance even now after everything that she has experienced. The seizures started at the age of 16. She received medication for the seizures.
We realized that she needed a stimulating environment with young people she can relate to after completing her time at Filia school. The Psychologist at Filia School recommended Vasco Special Needs Centre, which meets her needs.
During this time, we were in and out at Neurologist rooms trying to find a solution. In November 2024, Hannah had an extreme round of seizures. She was rushed to the emergency room and was in ICU for 5 weeks. She recovered and the Schoeman family informed us about another Neurologist at Constantia Mediclinic. There she received the necessary care and had an operation which helped with the seizures. To date she has had no more seizures and is still attending Vasco Special Needs Centre. Since enrolling her at the Centre, we have seen a remarkable transformation in her. She has bloomed—emotionally, socially, and academically—in ways we never thought possible.
Ender was born in 2006 in Antalya, Turkey, to Zuhre and Carl Parry. He developed typically until the family moved to Cape Town in 2007, when his cognitive abilities began to decline.
In 2008, Ender was diagnosed with autism, and two years later he joined the Vera School. He thrived there and remained a happy student until 2022, when he transitioned to Vasco Special Needs Centre. Ender enjoys being busy at Vasco, especially spending time with the facilitators and his friends.
His early teenage years were challenging, but with support and perseverance, Ender has grown into a kind, affectionate, and likeable young man.
Over the years, his progress has been steady, often happening in small but meaningful steps. Each breakthrough, no matter how small, has been a reminder that patience and hard work pay off. We remain hopeful and optimistic about his future.
Kauthar was born on 1 February 2006 at 36 weeks via an emergency C-section, weighing 2.2 kg. From the start, there were challenges. She struggled to latch, and at just 5 days old, we discovered she had a tongue-tie. Even after it was corrected, feeding remained difficult.
At 2 and 3 years old, she underwent hernia repairs. For a while, things were calm, and she was a happy baby, but I noticed she disliked tummy time. I raised my concerns with her paediatrician but felt unsatisfied with the answers. We eventually changed paediatricians five times before finding one who truly helped us.
One evening, without any warning signs, Kauthar fainted. We rushed her to hospital where doctors found a partial blockage. During a thorough examination, they also discovered hip dysplasia. Surgery was scheduled when she was 11 months old but delayed due to chickenpox. Just two days after her first birthday, she underwent a five-hour operation while we anxiously waited outside theatre.
Over the next five years, hospital visits became routine due to her weak immune system. She suffered pneumonia and broke both arms from falls. She also required monitoring for spinal concerns.
When school began, she started at Hydepark College, where challenges became more apparent. To be closer to her doctors, we moved to Goodwood, and she attended Hidayatul Islam. The school tried to help us place her in a special needs school, but it became a three-year struggle involving multiple transfers, government school placement, and psychological assessments. Eventually, she was diagnosed on the autism spectrum with selective mutism. Thankfully, she was finally enrolled at Chere Botha School.
During these years, she faced dental issues and changes to her facial structure. At Tygerberg Dentistry, doctors noted possible underdevelopment on one side of her jaw, and she remains on a waiting list for further care.
Then came COVID-19. While homeschooling my three children, Kauthar thrived and amazed us with the amount of work she completed. After lockdown, taxi violence on the school route added safety concerns. Since she was now 16, and after seeing her progress at home, we decided to continue homeschooling.
Chere Botha’s support was invaluable, and after a positive exit interview, we found a way forward. This led us to Vasco Special Needs Centre, where Kauthar began attending once a week. As a stay-at-home mom, I wanted her to learn new skills and socialise outside her immediate family.
Today, Kauthar is a confident, feisty, yet sensitive young woman—loving, nurturing, and full of personality. She enjoys archery and has even performed in a farm show for beginner archers. She loves books, colouring, and karaoke, but her greatest joy comes from her faith, which has always been her source of strength.
Luke was born on 19 September 2003 with a weight of 3.4kg. From 0-24 months Luke was an easy baby and was never sickly. When he was 2 years, he started saying a few words e.g. “mama” and “tata”.
At the age of 3 years, he regressed and stopped saying the few words he used to say. We were concerned about the sudden loss of speech and we took him to the doctor (GP) for his routine check-ups. The doctor referred us to a Neurologist at Constantiaberg. The Neurologist diagnosed Luke as being on autism spectrum disorder. The Neurologist assisted us to apply at schools for children with autism. Luke was placed on the waiting list at Vera School for children with autism.
While waiting for the placement at Vera we found a school in Table View called Growth Through Knowledge. Luke attended GTK until the age of 8 years when the school closed down. After the closure of GTK we went back to Vera for a placement. In 2009 Luke was placed at Vera until 2017. In 2017 he started attending at Vasco Special Needs Centre, which is a sheltered work facility for young adults with autism until to date.
Luke enjoys listening to music and participating in outdoor activities.
Zeke was born on 3 April 2007 at Christiaan Barnard Hospital by emergency caesarean section. What was meant to be a routine check-up quickly turned into an urgent delivery. Within 15 minutes, Zeke was born, but he was silent and unresponsive. The medical team immediately worked on him, and after some tense moments, he gave his first cry. He was taken straight to the ICU, where doctors explained that the next 24 hours would be critical.
Those first days were incredibly difficult. Family, friends, and colleagues rallied around, offering support and encouragement. Zeke’s strength shone through, and he began to improve. By day three, his colour had returned, and when his mom touched his tiny hand, he opened his eyes wide—a special moment that marked the beginning of their journey together.
Zeke reached his early milestones—rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking—before his first birthday. He was a happy, playful child who loved singing, riding his scooter, and spending time with his family.
At 18 months, after a routine vaccination, Zeke began to show changes in behaviour. He became quieter, stopped speaking, and withdrew. After consultation with specialists, he was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. It was a difficult and isolating time for his mother, who was raising him alone, but with the support of extended family and friends, she persevered.
Zeke began therapy, including speech and occupational therapy, but finding the right school was a challenge. He attended Snap Academy in Durbanville for three years, where he made steady progress, followed by time at Vredelust College in Boston. Despite challenges, his family treated him like any other child, taking him to the beach, to watch rugby, and encouraging his love of music and dancing.
Eventually, after years on waiting lists, a chance meeting led to an opening at Vera School for Learners with Autism, where Zeke thrived until the age of 16. He gained valuable self-help skills, became more independent, and attended weekly speech therapy sessions.
In 2023, Zeke joined Vasco Special Needs Centre, stepping into young adulthood with enthusiasm and joy. He loves being active, socialising with his peers, and continues to grow in confidence and independence. He is known for his laughter, love of dancing, and enjoyment of simple pleasures like family braais and road trips.
Zeke turned 18 in April 2025, surrounded by the support of family, friends, and the VSNC community. His journey is a story of resilience, love, and determination. His mom believes strongly that his life has a purpose and that his experiences can inspire and bring hope to others.
Zeke’s journey continues, and at VSNC, he has found a place where he can keep learning, growing, and touching the lives of those around him.
Adam is a gentle and cheerful young man who also happens to be on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed at the age of four and a half, he began a 14-year journey at Vera School for Learners with Autism in Rondebosch East.
Adam experiences high levels of anxiety, but he has found a unique way to calm himself—through singing. It’s something he does exceptionally well and with confidence. Over the years, he’s built up an impressive repertoire of songs, poems, and verses, showcasing an incredible memory and love for learning.
Outdoors is where Adam truly comes alive. Whether walking, hiking, cycling, running, or swimming, he thrives on being active, no matter the weather. His ever-present sunglasses have even become his signature accessory.
Despite the communication challenges that come with autism, Adam’s abilities are remarkable. He has a wide vocabulary and an eagerness to learn, even if he uses only a small part of it in everyday conversation.
After leaving Vera School, Adam’s family sought a safe, supportive environment where he could continue developing life skills while staying stimulated and engaged. After a long search and some setbacks, they found the right place—Vasco Special Needs Centre in Goodwood. Adam joined the centre on 13 March 2018, and it has become a space where he feels valued and happy.
Now, at almost 27 years old, Adam proudly tells others that he “works at Vasco Special Needs Centre.” When asked what he does there, his answer is always the same: “I played on the jungle gym.” There isn’t a jungle gym at VSNC, but for Adam, every day feels like play—a place filled with activity, friends, and a sense of purpose.
Jared was born in October 1999 in East London, weighing a healthy 4.22 kg. From the start, he was a big, strong baby but also faced early challenges. At just four months old, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and placed on medication to manage the condition.
During one of the family’s regular visits to Cape Town and the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, they received the name of a school that could support Jared when he reached school-going age. In late 2005, Bel Porto School offered him a placement, and he began attending in early 2006. It was during this time that Jared was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. With this new understanding, arrangements were made for him to join Vera School for Learners with Autism in Rondebosch.
Jared attended Vera for nine years, thriving in an environment designed to meet his needs. When he reached the age limit for the school, Pieter and Rosalie realised that there were few suitable options for young adults like Jared. This challenge inspired them to create a place where he—and others with similar needs—could continue to learn, grow, and be part of a community. In 2016, Vasco Special Needs Centre was born.
Jared is a gentle, affectionate young man often described as the “Teddy Bear” of the family. Though he faces significant challenges—he is unable to read or write and requires a structured daily routine—he has a warm, loving nature and enjoys being around familiar people. Vasco Special Needs Centre provides the structure, friendship, and opportunities that allow Jared to feel safe and valued, while showcasing the unique abilities of every young adult who attends.
Vivash is a vibrant young man with a wide range of interests. He enjoys music, long drives, walks on the beach, sailing on a catamaran, dancing, beadwork, baking, cooking, horse riding, and relaxing with massages. Now 27, Vivash was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at the age of four.
Back in 2002, autism was still a rare and often misunderstood diagnosis in South Africa. For his family, those early years were daunting, filled with challenges and a steep learning curve as they sought to understand how best to support him in navigating a world that often felt overwhelming.
In 2006, faced with limited educational opportunities in Durban, the family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Cape Town. Vivash was accepted into the Vera School for Learners with Autism, where he thrived in the structured, routine-driven environment that supported his development.
As Vivash approached adulthood, his parents began searching for suitable post-school options. Unfortunately, they discovered that no facilities in the Western Cape could adequately meet his needs. This gap became the driving force behind the establishment of the Vasco Special Needs Centre (VSNC). In 2016, his mother, Roshina, together with a group of passionate parents, co-founded the Centre to provide meaningful opportunities for young adults like Vivash.
Today, VSNC is an integral part of Vivash’s life. It provides him with a safe and structured environment where he can explore his interests, develop his skills, and contribute in his own unique way. His journey is a living testament to the vision and purpose of the Centre: to ensure that young adults with special needs have the opportunity to grow, participate, and live fulfilling, purposeful lives.
Jade was born in June 2001, arriving as a tiny but precious baby weighing only 2.8 kg. At just three months old, she was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). Her early years came with many challenges, as her developmental milestones were delayed by several years, but with the love and support of her family, she continued to grow into the caring and joyful young woman she is today.
Jade attended Chere Botha School for Special Learning, where she remained until the age of 18. During her schooling, she learned to recognize and read a few key words, a skill that continues to empower her in daily life. Beyond academics, Jade’s personality shone brightly—she has always had a deep love for music and an infectious joy when dancing. Her natural rhythm and cheerful energy make her a delight to those around her.
Today, Jade is a valued member of the Vasco Special Needs Centre family. The Centre provides her with a safe, structured environment where she continues to build on her abilities while engaging in a daily program that develops essential life skills. Here, she has found more than just a place to learn—she has found a true community. Jade has formed meaningful friendships with her peers and enjoys the support and care of the dedicated team at the Centre.
For her family, having Jade at the Centre brings daily peace of mind, knowing that she is safe, engaged, and happy in a space where she is understood and celebrated. For Jade, it is a place where she can continue to grow, explore her talents, and enjoy the companionship of others who share her journey.
Liyema is a remarkable young man who lives with autism. Known for his neatness, discipline, and love for order, he thrives on routine and finds comfort in structure. His strong sense of independence shines through in the way he carries himself, always taking pride in looking good and presenting himself well.
At home, Liyema is a caring son and brother. He enjoys spending quiet time in his room, yet he also shares a beautiful and close bond with his sister, reflecting his deeply affectionate nature. Always eager to help his parents, he shows his love not only through words but through his actions—whether it is assisting with tasks or simply being present with a warm, loving spirit.
One of Liyema’s most endearing traits is his friendliness. He delights in greeting everyone he meets with a cheerful handshake, a gesture that immediately puts people at ease and reflects his generous heart. His warmth and openness make him a joy to be around, both within his family and at the Vasco Special Needs Centre.
At the Centre, Liyema’s willingness to help with daily tasks is a true gift. He contributes with enthusiasm and reliability, embodying the spirit of teamwork and community that the Centre strives to nurture. For his peers and the team, his presence is uplifting—he is someone who naturally spreads kindness and positivity wherever he goes.
For his family and for those at the Centre, Liyema is more than just a young man with autism; he is a loving son, a devoted brother, a loyal friend, and an inspiration in the way he lives his life with warmth, dignity, and joy.
