Online Reporter
This week, I illuminate the religious, traditional and modern-day understandings of autism, as each perspective offers an important lens through which society can recognise the inherent value of neurodiverse lives.
Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the rights, dignity and equal participation of persons with autism.
This year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity — Every Life Has Value”, reminds us that persons with autism deserve the same dignity and respect as anyone else.
Across Africa, Christianity plays a central role in shaping community values.
The faith teaches that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is endowed with purpose. Biblical verses affirming that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) suggest that difference is a part of divine design rather than a flaw.
Supporting persons with autism is increasingly seen as service to Christ himself, reinforcing the conviction that their lives carry sacred worth and must be embraced with care.
In Harare, one Pentecostal congregation has launched a programme called “Every Child Belongs”. The church trains Sunday school teachers to adapt lessons for children with autism, pairs families with “support buddies” and organises inclusive worship services.
Parents report that their children feel truly embraced, while the congregation views autism not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to celebrate difference.
African societies also bring unique cultural interpretations to autism.
Traditionally, difference has been understood through spiritual and communal lenses.
Children who communicate differently are often seen as possessing special gifts or connections to ancestral wisdom. In some cultures, neurodiverse traits are interpreted as signs of heightened sensitivity to the spiritual world.
In a rural community in Masvingo, a young boy named Tawanda spoke little, preferred repetitive play and often withdrew from noisy gatherings.
Instead of labelling him negatively, elders interpreted his quietness as a sign of ancestral wisdom.
His grandmother explained that children like Tawanda were believed to carry messages from the spiritual world.
Rather than isolating him, the community allowed him to participate in social formalities at his own pace.
He was encouraged to join storytelling circles, where his unique perception of the world was celebrated as part of the community’s collective identity.
Globally, advocacy has shifted from mere awareness towards acceptance and inclusion.
Organisations like the Institute of Neurodiversity — active in over 100 countries with approximately 40 000 members — advance systemic change so that neurominorities can thrive.
Their work highlights how societies that embrace neurodiversity strengthen their creativity and innovation.
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function, recognising that differences in thinking, learning and behaviour are normal and valuable, rather than deficits.
Modern frameworks emphasise that autism is not a deviation from humanity, but a vital expression of it.
Policies now focus on dismantling stigma and integrating voices of persons with autism into decision-making.
In Zimbabwe, this aligns with national efforts to mainstream disability rights, ensuring persons with autism are recognised as active contributors to national development. The 2026 WAAD theme — “Every Life Has Value” — bridges these perspectives.
Christianity affirms sacred worth, African traditions highlight the wisdom in difference and modern advocacy frames autism as a strength. Together, these viewpoints challenge society to move away from “deficit-based” models and towards holistic, culturally grounded approaches.
As Zimbabwe and the world marked WAAD 2026, the message remained clear: Autism is not a flaw, but a vital expression of our shared humanity.
Every person with autism carries inherent dignity and unconditional worth.
Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She can be contacted on: [email protected]
