We understand that choosing the right environment for your young adult is a deeply important decision — and it must be the right fit for both your family and the Centre. It must be appreciated that we are working with individuals who face many unique individual and behavioural challenges, so a careful, respectful process is essential.
If you wish for your young adult to attend Vasco Special Needs Centre, you will need to complete a comprehensive application form. It is in both your interest and ours that the application form is completed as truthfully as possible, with all relevant supporting documentation supplied. This helps us understand your young adult’s needs, strengths, and any specific support they may require.
Recommendation: We strongly recommend that initial integration begins during school holidays from the age of 16, so the young adult has time to familiarise themselves with the Centre before transitioning fully after leaving school.
This step-by-step process allows both the young adult and the Centre’s team to adapt gradually, ensuring the best possible start to their time at Vasco Special Needs Centre.
Yes. For the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all our attendees, there are a few key requirements:
These requirements ensure that we can provide a programme that is both meaningful and respectful to all who attend.
Not every young adult joins the Centre with advanced crafting skills, and that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is that they have the basic motor ability and willingness to engage in craft-making. Many of our attendees begin with simple projects and progress to more complex creations over time, guided by our skilled staff. We adapt activities to individual skill levels, but crafting must be something the young adult can actively participate in, as it is central to our vocational and therapeutic programmes.
We understand that personal care can be a sensitive topic for families. However, all attendees must be fully independent in their toilet routines. This means being able to use the toilet, manage personal hygiene, and handle clothing adjustments without staff assistance. We unfortunately cannot provide one-on-one toileting support due to the nature of our programmes and staffing. This requirement ensures dignity, safety, and comfort for all members of our Centre community.
We place great emphasis on finding the right balance between the needs of the young adult and the environment we provide. This is why our enrolment process includes:
If, during this period, we find that the environment is not the best fit — whether due to safety, behavioural needs, or inability to participate in required activities — we will work with the family to explore alternative options that better suit the young adult’s needs.
We focus on life skills, vocational training, creative crafts, social interaction, communication, and activities that promote independence and confidence.
No. We are however able to provide the parents with details of professionals that can assist.
Through structured group activities, guided social interactions, and practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, and craft-making, we encourage skill-building in a supportive environment.
Yes, whenever possible. These outings give young adults the opportunity to practise social skills, navigate new environments, and be part of the wider community.
Our team includes a Centre Supervisor and assistants with experience in working with young adults with special needs. All staff receive training in autism support, behavioural strategies, and safety protocols.
We use understanding, patience, and evidence-based strategies to manage challenging behaviours, always with the goal of supporting the individual’s wellbeing and dignity.
We ensure our premises are secure, comply with safety regulations, and have procedures in place for emergencies. Our planned new premises will also include CCTV and enhanced security systems.
Yes, we are both a registered NPO and PBO. This ensures that we operate transparently and in compliance with South African law.
Yes. As a registered PBO, we can issue Section 18A tax certificates for any monetary donation received. These certificates are issued annually on 28 February.
We maintain open communication through regular updates, meetings, and progress reports, and we welcome feedback and suggestions from families.
Yes. We encourage family involvement and welcome visits, volunteer participation, and attendance at special events.
Yes. While many of our attendees are on the autism spectrum, we welcome young adults with a variety of special needs. We focus on abilities, not labels, and will assess each individual to ensure our environment is the right fit for their needs.
Early signs of autism can vary widely from one person to another, and while some are noticeable in early childhood, others may only become more apparent as the child grows. Many parents first suspect something is different because their child seems not to respond to people or language, but may react to certain favourite sounds like music. Some children may not turn when you enter the room or seem unaware of sounds around them.
Other possible signs in childhood can include:
In young adults, these early signs may have developed into more recognisable patterns such as difficulty with social interactions, strong attachment to routines, sensory sensitivities, or focused interests. Some traits may become less noticeable with support and coping strategies, while others may still impact daily life. At Vasco Special Needs Centre, we focus on each individual’s strengths and support areas where they need the most help, regardless of when signs first appeared.
Many autistic individuals face increased expectations for independence as they age, which can bring new challenges in life skills, social engagement, and employment opportunities. Our programmes help bridge this gap by providing ongoing support, training, and encouragement.
Yes. Some individuals develop skills and strategies that make certain traits less noticeable, while others may experience increased stress or challenges in adulthood that make traits more prominent. Our team works with each young adult as they are today, adapting support as needs change.
The onset of puberty can be a confusing and challenging time for any child — and for their parents. Changing hormones can make a typical child seem like a stranger, and the same holds true for young people on the autism spectrum. However, autism brings some unique factors into play, particularly in relation to communication, social understanding, and emotional regulation.
By combining proactive education, increased independence, safety awareness, and emotional health monitoring, parents can help their autistic child navigate puberty with confidence and dignity.
The decision to introduce medication for an autistic individual is a deeply personal choice and should always be made with careful consideration. In some cases, medication can improve the quality of life for both the person on the autism spectrum and their parent or caregiver. For example, reducing anxiety through appropriate medication can help the individual better manage daily challenges, while also easing the emotional and physical demands placed on the caregiver.
However, it is crucial to avoid medicating to the point where it causes a negative impact—such as excessive sedation, loss of personality, or other harmful side effects. This decision should always be made under the care and guidance of a qualified medical practitioner who has experience in autism care. Dosage and type of medication should be regularly reviewed, as needs can change over time.
Remember: autism is a condition, not a disease to be “cured.” Medication cannot remove autism, but it may help to address specific symptoms or challenges that interfere with quality of life. The guiding question should be: “Will this intervention improve the individual’s overall well-being and ability to participate in daily life, while preserving their dignity and individuality?”
When a person on the autism spectrum is prescribed medication—whether for behavioural challenges, co-occurring medical conditions, or unrelated health concerns—it’s essential for parents to be aware that medicines can have far-reaching effects beyond their intended purpose. Some side effects may impact behaviour, sensory processing, digestion, balance, or mood.
Because individuals with autism may not always be able to fully articulate their physical discomfort or emotional changes, parents must act as careful observers and record keepers. This means:
Parents should work closely with healthcare providers—preferably ones experienced with autism—to weigh benefits against risks, make careful adjustments, and ensure any treatment supports overall well-being without creating new challenges.
Parenting a young adult on the autism spectrum is a deeply rewarding journey — but it can also be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Over time, families do best when they approach it with flexibility, realistic expectations, and the right support network.
Here are some key principles we encourage:
Above all, remember: you are not alone, and every step forward — no matter how small — matters.
Adults with special needs have the same basic rights as anyone else, including the right to dignity, safety, education, and community participation. In some cases, parents or guardians may apply for legal guardianship if the young adult cannot make certain decisions independently.
Yes, but the level of involvement depends on the young adult’s legal capacity. Some parents apply for guardianship or administration orders to continue making decisions on behalf of their adult child.
Yes. In South Africa, once a child with a disability turns 18, the Care Dependency Grant they may have been receiving will stop. They can then apply for the Adult Disability Grant through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
Important: The grant is reviewed periodically. Keep copies of all documents submitted.
Yes. In South Africa, if your young adult has a disability (including autism), you may be able to claim certain expenses from SARS as part of your annual tax return via the ITR-DD process.
