How one autistic child from Soweto reminded Dr Emile Gouws why he never gave up.
For years, Dr Emile Gouws has dedicated his life to advocating for autistic people, sharing his own journey from a child who struggled to communicate to becoming an internationally recognised researcher and disability rights advocate.
But despite speaking on global stages, earning prestigious awards and representing the autism community around the world, it was one young autistic boy from Soweto who brought him to tears.
The emotional encounter took place after the boy attended one of Gouws' keynote addresses. His teacher, Thandekile Nkomo, had contacted the advocate days earlier to ask whether he would meet her pupil, who had chosen Gouws as the subject of a public speaking competition.
The child had decided to tell the story of Gouws' life, his journey with autism and his contribution to the autism community.
