How One Mother’s Advocacy Rewrote Her Autistic Son’s Future

Devoted mom, Naz, didn’t just advocate for her son’s inclusion at school and culinary college; she reshaped the entire educational experience so every learner on the spectrum could finally feel seen and understood.

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 February 2026) – After the passing of her husband, Naz, a devoted mom, suddenly found herself parenting alone. While grieving and surviving, she stood firmly in her conviction that her autistic son deserved access to education, dignity, and opportunity.

A Mother’s Passion for Inclusive Education

Deeply passionate about education, Naz has committed herself to ensuring that learners with autism are given meaningful opportunities to develop foundational life and developmental skills, especially in early childhood.

Through primary school and high school, she supported, encouraged, challenged, and championed Ihsaan, never allowing his diagnosis to define his potential.

Her belief is simple yet powerful: inclusion begins early, and love, structure, and opportunity change lives.

Ihsaan got through each class and grade and matriculated in 2024, carrying with him a deep passion for cooking and creating delicious meals. Through a partnership with Capsicum Culinary School, he was allowed to pursue this passion.

Advocating for Learners on the Spectrum

When facilitators openly acknowledged their limited understanding of autism, a professional development workshop, arranged through a contact of his mom, was facilitated. This created space for meaningful growth, not only for Ihsaan but also for the facilitators, who gained valuable insight into disability sensitivity and inclusive practice.

As a result, Ihsaan was supported with patience, adaptability, and understanding, never allowing his challenges to be viewed as limitations.

During his tertiary journey, many facilitators chose perseverance over convenience and understanding over judgement.

One such individual is his workplace mentor, Chef Mishka, who walked closely alongside Ihsaan, imparting hands-on culinary skills and believing in his abilities even when the journey was challenging. Her openness, acceptance, and appreciation of Ihsaan’s creativity created space not only for mentorship but for genuine growth, which has extended to other learners with special needs.

Ihsaan Graduates and Gives Back

Ihsaan’s journey has culminated in his graduation this year – an achievement that once felt impossible to many, but never to those who chose to walk faithfully alongside him.

Ihsaan will now be joining his mom at her preschool, where he will be preparing nutritious, healthy meals for the children and offering basic food preparation lessons to children from the surrounding community.

His journey has come full circle: learning, growing, and now giving back. It also affirms that learners with autism have the right to education. With the right support, guidance, and mentors who are willing to walk the journey alongside them, young men and women on the spectrum enter the workforce with purpose, skill, and dignity.

Ihsaan and Naz’s story inspires hope, challenges perceptions, and reminds us all of what becomes possible when love, advocacy, and belief lead the way.

Sources: Supplied

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