About Us
Who We Are
Autism Eswatini, also known as Litsemba Lemliba Support Centre is a non-profit making organization based in Eswatini. The organization came into existence in 2013 as Litsemba Lemliba Support Centre and later Autism Swaziland in 2015. The organization’s ultimate goal is to advocate and raise awareness at all levels in society about the rights of people with Autism Spectrum & other Neuro-Developmental Disorders which is in line with the Eswatini National Disability Plan of Action 2018 – 2022.
This program is a product of personal encounter as a mother of a child with Autism, having seen the challenges experienced by individuals with Autism and their families. “I had to place a block towards mitigating the impact of this condition.” The greatest pain of a mother with a child with Autism is to see her child with needs that cannot be communicated and thus not met. Due to the misunderstanding of the condition, most children with Autism are called names and often called, ‘spoilt brats.’ This speaks to a lack of awareness in society at large.
Since its inception, Autism Eswatini has been at the forefront of Autism awareness, referrals, and advocacy. The organization has made partnerships with other organizations beyond Eswatini; such as Autism Speaks USA, Kenya Autism Alliance, and IKE Foundation for Autism to mention a few. Autism Eswatini is committed to strengthening the support systems of persons with Autism in Eswatini.
Our Values
• Accountability • Commitment • Considerate • Innovation • Non-discrimination • Professionalism
Our Main Objective
To improve the lives of people with autism in the country by increasing autism awareness and knowledge.
Our Impact
Individuals with autism and other neuro-developmental disorders, as well as their families, live high-quality lives in Eswatini.
Founding Director
With this first-hand experience, Nick’s mother, Tryphinah Mvubu, saw the need to start Autism Eswatini with a holistic approach in addressing Autism issues for maximum impact as ASD needs a multi-disciplinary approach. She has successfully pioneered Autism issues in Eswatini to a point where the government as well as the development partners are taking notice. From her own personal experience, she has noted that, due to the high stigma and discrimination, some parents opt to hide their children from ridicule, and they refuse to open up about this challenge risking better outcomes for their children and is perpetually worried by the hostile environment towards individuals with ASD and their families. She is also concerned that this is not only happening in Eswatini only but in most African countries hence, Autism Eswatini continues to, “Strengthen Support Systems of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families beyond Eswatini through many different partnerships.
What We Do
Through various activities our organization creates awareness and educate related professionals, stake holders and the broader community about issues related to ASD. We also emphasize early Identification and intervention for persons with Autism Spectrum & other Neuro-Developmental Disorders. Not only that we increase access to therapeutic services for persons with ASD. Other provisions include; psychosocial support to families affected by ASD, therapeutic
enhancement programs for the children, capacity building for schools and institutions doing interventions for children affected by the condition, advocating for the protection of their rights and also conducting research to inform future programming.
Our Partners
