Abstract

When a child is diagnosed with ASD, his or her parents embark on a journey into the world of autism. However, most often parents have to navigate this journey without a road map. Many authors worldwide and in Africa have lamented that diagnosis is not accompanied by clear guidelines for intervention and support. Stress arises owing to a myriad of questions. For example: What are my child's rights to education, to services and how do I enforce these rights?

• • Where do I find information to assist my child?

• • What therapies do my child need?

• • Will my child be able to go to school and how will my child be accommodated?

• • Will my child be able to cope in this world without me?

• • Will I be able to manage parenting my child with my work commitments

• • What are my rights as a parent of a special needs child?

• • How will I be able to afford all the costs involved in raising my child?

There are no clear answers to these questions. International studies reveal that parents of children with autism experience more stress compared to parents of children with other disabilities. In the absence of clarity, parents are driven to become advocates for their children's rights. As a parent of (i) a child with autism and (ii) a child with ADHD and sensory integration difficulties, I am intrinsically motivated by my need to understand my role as a partner in my children's education and ultimately to be able to advocate for their rights. This propelled me into the world of parenting a child with autism. In this chapter, I share my knowledge of some of the legislation that governs the rights of children with autism. I am a mother advocating for her son and an advocate with many years of legal expertise. I will endeavour to motivate practical solutions within the scope of the current legislation and examine the vast body of literature on the rights of children with autism. Specific focus will be given to access to justice for children and families living with autism, educational rights, children's rights and the balance of work-life.