For Effe Mayo from Amalinda, East London, caring for kids with special needs has become more than a responsibility – it’s a journey she never saw coming but wouldn’t trade for anything.
She’s a civil engineer by profession, but when her friend had a child with autism, Mayo felt pulled in a new direction. She immersed herself in health courses, co-founded Be Still Autism Academy, and became the child’s legal guardian.
Now, Mayo has discovered a purpose that goes beyond work. It’s not just about care; it’s about filling her heart with love, standing up for kids who need it most, and realising that this is what truly lights up her life!
A journey of discovery
It all began in 2016 when her late friend, Xoliswa Thethani, welcomed a child who was later diagnosed with autism. When the diagnosis was confirmed in 2017, Mayo was eager to support her friend however she could.
Recently unemployed from her civil engineering role, she decided to plunge into autism education, assisting at a school for children with special needs.
“At first, the journey was financially challenging; imagine going from a steady income to just R1 480 something.”
The shift to working with many children on the spectrum, she says, felt overwhelming at times.
“I remember struggling to communicate with them. One day, a five-year-old took me by the hand to the bathroom, saying ‘toilet time’ to another child. It was incredible to see how observant he was.”
Effe Mayo
Mayo also gained experience at an aftercare autism school run by Sandra Kourtz in Cambridge, East London, where she developed a deeper understanding of autism support. During her time with these schools, people noticed her potential and encouraged her to consider starting her own school.
“Aunt Sandra helped me with strategies, showed me how to do record-keeping and even today, she’s my life coach – always backing me up.”
When Mayo moved to set up her school, Kourtz provided essential support, including bookshelves and other furniture, and guided her on the administrative side, advising her to reach out to social development for the necessary paperwork.
Creating a change in autism support
She started her school in 2019 with three other members: Wendy Lupondo, Nozibulele Primrose Funo, and Ongeziwe Saul. Just as the school was getting off the ground, Covid-19 challenged its financial existence.
They relocated in search of greener pastures, explains Mayo, ending up running and directing it alone.
As she grew in her journey, Mayo recognised the need to take courses to better understand the different types of autism.
She completed several online short courses, including an introduction to speech therapy, behavioural analysis for autism, autism spectrum disorder in early childhood, and occupational therapy fundamentals in rehabilitation sciences, as well as working with students with special educational needs.
“In the meantime, I was receiving support from different people, which made my journey easier to handle.”
She also met a friend on social media, Munkie Mokadi, who guided her through the stages of educational strategies for the various types of autism for different children.
When Mayo’s friend passed away in 2019, she left a will stating that Mayo should be the legal guardian of her son. She adds that since then, she has never looked back.
In 2022, she decided to pursue a full-time course and is now in her third year.
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Insights and experiences
Mayo tells Health for Mzansi that through her experiences and courses, she has learned that people living with autism need patience.
“No matter how frustrated you are, you must take the time. They do not behave the same way; some enjoy being assisted, while others do not, and they can become easily annoyed.”
They taught independence, speech therapy, and other necessary skills, she says.
“I see the difference as I work with children aged three to twelve, and I witness independence being instilled in them, along with effective communication without throwing tantrums.”
She emphasises that under no circumstances should you leave children with autism alone. A vital realisation for her is that many do not understand pain, which can lead to dangerous situations for each other.
“Disciplining them through physical punishment is a definite no-go area; they might even come to expect it.”
Mayo now employs six workers, some of whom are teachers who have completed courses to further understand the various types of autism, along with speech and behavioural techniques. She is not only directing and teaching but also managing errands for the school.
Currently, she is operating in a rented space, which limits her ability to accommodate more children.
“I have around 18 kids, but if I had enough space, I could cater for more and create additional job opportunities.”
The school is registered with the department of education, and while she is receiving support from them along with the social development department, she has yet to receive financial assistance. But that is not going to stop her from giving the children the best support and education she can.
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