(S. Africa) Chatsworth: New autism center opening
- The end of childhood
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Aug 21, 2025, Rising Sun: New autism centre bring hope to Chatsworth
The centre will provide speech and occupational therapy with a focus on addressing the sensory needs of children so that they will be able to regulate and participate effectively in this sensory-overwhelming world.
The non-profit organisation, Autism Excellence Alabaster Box, was created in October 2024 by Sheraine Reddy-Subraya, following her diagnosis of stage three breast cancer and a double mastectomy.
“As a teacher for 31 years now and a mother of a 19-year-old autistic daughter, I co-founded Incredible Minds Therapy Centre in Durban North ten years ago. I have chosen to use the proceeds of my Sanlam Cancer policy to open a similar autism centre of excellence for the Chatsworth community, as there is a desperate need for a legitimate, registered centre. The inspiration behind the centre is, as always, our talented autistic artist daughter, Paris, and the neurodivergent community of Chatsworth. Chatsworth was the place of my birth, and, as an indigent family, we were housed, helped, and fed by the community. It is only fitting to give back to a cause that is closest to my heart – autism. In fact, each classroom at sHeReign’s Alabaster Box is named and dedicated in memory of these community members,” she shared.
From 2009 to 2015, she and her partner volunteered their services to parents of autistics throughout KZN.
“We helped with setting up home-school programmes and provided resources needed for low-tech AAC and other speech therapy resources. In 2015, we opened Incredible Minds for our daughter and have since changed the lives of hundreds of autistic children and their families,” she continued.
The centre will provide speech and occupational therapy with a focus on addressing the sensory needs of children so that they will be able to regulate and participate effectively in this sensory-overwhelming world. . . .
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