Mbabane – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Autism Awareness Day 2026 under the theme Autism and Humanity Every Life Has Value.
The event, held in the Kingdom, brought together government departments, civil society organisations, international partners and members of the corporate sector to promote inclusion and strengthen support for people living with autism.
Representing Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Under Secretary Makhosi Simelane said the day called for more than awareness. He said there was a need for practical steps to ensure schools were welcoming, health facilities easier to access and workplaces open to all. 
“Inclusion is not just the government’s job it is a responsibility for all of us: families, teachers, churches, and businesses. Persons with autism are not defined by their challenges. They are children, youth, adults, students, workers, artists, innovators and leaders,” he said.
The gathering carried a strong message that autism is not a limitation but a different and valuable way of being human. Delegates reflected on the words of Temple Grandin who once said, “The world needs different kinds of minds to work together.”
Two mothers also took to the floor, sharing personal accounts of raising children with autism. They appealed for greater access to therapy and psychiatric services, saying the cost and limited availability of specialists made it difficult to meet their children’s needs. They spoke of social stigma and the lack of public spaces that can accommodate children on the spectrum, making simple outings such as playdates a challenge.
Discussions during the commemoration focused on inclusive education, accessible healthcare and equal opportunities. Participants also examined concerns around sexual violence, social isolation and unemployment affecting children and young people with autism.
Progress within the country was noted, including plans to establish an Epilepsy Centre in Sikhuphe and an Autism Centre in Hlokohla to support children and their caregivers. Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation contributed E10 000 towards autism programmes in the country.
Autism Eswatini, a non profit organisation, continues to provide advocacy, awareness, rehabilitation, research, psychosocial care and spiritual support to individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders as well as their families.
As part of the awareness activities, Autism Eswatini visited Little Academy Primary School on Saturday March 21, 2026, where 15 teachers, parents and caregivers attended a sensitisation session. The engagement coincided with International Down Syndrome Day, with a representative from Down Syndrome Eswatini also present.
“There is hope and it comes gradually… So let us hold hands and share what we have learnt with the world,” said Miss Miller of Little Academy Primary School.
