Mother shares son repeating Grade R for third time, internet supports

by Staff Bona

While many parents shared photos of their children starting their first day of school in a new grade, one mother took to social media to share that her autistic son is repeating Grade R for the third time.

According to Psychology Today – the world’s largest online mental health and behavioural science destination – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism is a developmental disorder that affects information processing.

“People with autism have difficulties with social and communication skills. They have restricted interests and engage in repetitive behaviours. They also tend to experience sensitivity or discomfort from sensory stimulation such as certain lights or sounds,” explains the health information hub.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the Pretoria-based mother, whose child attends Situla (a school dedicated to children with autism) shared a picture of her son and wrote, “Going to Grade R for the third time. Honestly can’t wait for you to go to Grade 1. He’s 8 and autistic. They keep saying he’s not ready for Grade 1.”

The woman concluded her post by telling social media users not to feel sorry for her. “We are not dealt out the same cards.”

The post has since gone viral, and received close to one million views and hundreds of messages of positivity.

One social media user sent the mother well wishes and thanked her for sharing her story, saying, “Aw mom. He looks so happy. All the best for Grade R this year! And thank you for being brave and sharing. I am sure there are so many who are going through [a] similar [situation], and it’s heartening to see they are not alone.”

“Such a handsome young man. May it be a beautiful year for him and keep doing what you do best, Mommy! All will be well,” wrote another X user.

Seeing the many words of comfort, the mother returned to X to show her gratitude, writing, “Yho izandla zedlula ikhanda. Thank you so much to you all. We are going to have a blessed year. Thank you for your encouraging words. May this also raise awareness on autism.”

Also see: Tips to building good relationships with your child’s educator