AUTISM CONNECT: OUR JOURNEY, OUR PURPOSE
From a Personal Story to a National Mission
The Heart Behind the Work
Founded by Nicolette Ripepi, Autism Connect was born out of a deeply personal journey following the diagnosis of her son, Tyler Ripepi. What began as a mission to support her own child evolved into a lifelong commitment to serve other children, families, and young adults navigating the autism spectrum.
Nicolette, a fierce advocate, serves as the Director of Autism Connect, shaping its inclusive, empowering vision.
🛤️ Our Timeline: Growth Rooted in Purpose
2007
The journey begins with Tyler’s diagnosis and the search for inclusive, autism-specific education and support.
2013
Autism Connect officially opens its doors, offering structured learning support for autistic children in Cape Town.
2022
We transition from the “Key” logo to an “Open Door” — representing new opportunities, inclusion, and endless possibility.
2023
Launch of the Skills & Coaching Centre — a new venture supporting young autistic adults aged 18–25 with life skills, physical development, and pre-employment preparation.
2024–2025
Growth across both centres with clearer operational frameworks, specialized teams, and broader family support programmes.
What We Offer Early Learning Centre (Ages 3–16)
- TEACCH-based autism-specific classrooms
- Occupational & speech therapy integration
- Visual aids, routine-based structure
- Family support, IEDP planning, behaviour intervention
🧑🔧 Skills & Coaching Centre (Ages 18–25)
- Life skills, daily living routines
- Physical development with a dedicated sports coach
- Structured skill training: Woodworking, IT, Hospitality
- Independence-focused learning & vocational preparation 🙌 Past to Present: Programme Leaders Who Paved the Way
Autism Connect owes its early momentum to passionate programme implementers who helped lay the foundation:
- Established the first structures
- Developed learning schedules
- Introduced IEDPs
- Fostered family inclusion
In 2025, Moeneeb Gilbert joined the team as Operations Manager, bringing leadership, organisational alignment, and a renewed focus on documentation, policy, quality assurance, and sustainability. Moeneeb has overseen the expansion of programmes and the introduction of systems to support growth and compliance.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is Autism Connect a school?
No. Autism Connect is a support and development centre — we provide structured educational support, therapies, and life skills but are not registered as a mainstream school.
Do you only support non-speaking children?
No. We support a range of learners — speaking, non-speaking, and those with additional physical or cognitive support needs.
Can my young adult join without a formal diagnosis?
A diagnosis helps us better support each individual’s needs. We assess every applicant for suitability based on our programme capacity.
Are therapies included in the programme?
We work alongside occupational and speech therapists, and therapy sessions are integrated into the centre’s weekly planning.
How do I apply?
Get in touch via our contact page or visit during one of our open days. We will guide you through our intake process.
Looking Ahead
We envision:
- Land acquisition and purpose-built facilities
- More skills training (photography, digital literacy, horticulture)
- Employment placement partnerships
- National replication of our model
Our Mission
To create a safe, structured, and empowering space for autistic individuals and their families through tailored education, therapy, and skills development.
📞 Get in Touch
🌍 www.autismconnect.org.za
📧 info@autismconnect.org.za
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
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