Mitchells Plain Breaks Ground on Autism Connect Centre

A local landmark in autism education and inclusion

Something life-changing is breaking ground in Westridge, Mitchells Plain. The Autism Connect Centre, the first of its kind in the area, officially kicked off construction this week, bringing hope and tangible support to families raising children on the autism spectrum.

Founded by Nicolette Ripepi, the centre is more than a building. It is a vision six years in the making: a space where early childhood learning, autism-specific therapy, and long-term skills development come together under one roof.

“When I started Autism Connect, I saw the gap,” Ripepi said at the sod-turning event. “There was no access to early intervention for families in communities like ours. But the longer we worked, the more we realised we had to go beyond that. We had to support autistic young adults too.”

More than classrooms: Building belonging

The centre, located on the corner of Wespoort and Loganberry Streets, will serve over 100 children and young adults once complete. It will feature:

• Therapy rooms for early intervention

• Inclusive classrooms

• Secure outdoor play spaces

• Training areas for educators

• A dedicated skills development wing for job-readiness

This holistic setup is designed not just to educate but to integrate. From toddlers to teens to young adults, the goal is lifelong support.

Danielle Michaels, Chairperson of the Autism Connect board, shared, “This is a story of resilience. It began with a single mother and her son, and now it belongs to every family searching for understanding, every child looking to belong, and every autistic adult trying to find their place.”

Support where it is needed most

The centre’s location is no accident. Mitchells Plain, like many working-class areas, lacks local access to specialised autism services. Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, who grew up in the community, made it a priority to allocate the land at a subsidised rate.

“Too many families walk this road alone,” he said. “They drive across the city for help. That is not right. This centre says clearly: support should be close to home.”

Ward Councillor Ashley Potts called the launch “the beginning of something historic.” Councillor Elton Jansen, known for his work in inclusive education, added, “What I have witnessed from Autism Connect is phenomenal. I am excited to see what happens next.”

From Mitchells Plain, for Mitchells Plain

With foundations now in place, the Autism Connect Centre stands as a proud milestone not just for one organisation, but for an entire community. It is a beacon for equity, care, and the power of collective action.

“This is not the end of a journey,” said Michaels. “It is the beginning of something that belongs to all of us.”

Also read: Grant Reviews Are Coming: What Every SASSA Beneficiary Should Know This August

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: Online Master’s in Education Degrees – The University of Kansas