Lethabo le Khutso (LLK) Autism Adult Care centre celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday morning with the opening of a brand new facility “Huis Cornelius” on on the premises.
For 20 years, LLK has been a place to call home for many adults with autism.
Currently 34 beneficiaries, ranging from the ages of 19 to 60, call LLK home away from home where they receive specialised care from highly trained and dedicate professionals.
LLK was founded in 2002 with the aim of creating a space for people suffering from autism and to prepare them for the future.
Various programmes such as skills training, vocational stimulation as well as outings and community involvement all form part of LLK’s mission to integrate beneficiaries into society as functioning and healthy adults.
With its community projects, it also hopes to destigmatise autism and change many presumptions and misconceptions people might have.
“House Cornelius” is named after the late Fred Cornelius, who was a very kind donor for many years.
He really helped us get through a difficult financial situation,” said manager Anine Fischer.
“He was a kind man who really cared about this place and its people, so I think its fitting that we name it after him.”
Before LLK opened its doors in 2002, there were only two autism specific centres for adults in the country and both in the Cape.
Director of LLK, Christine Koudstaal was devoted to establishing an autism centre in Pretoria.
“The only option for local parents was to send their children to institutions where they were either locked away, or placed in an environment that does not understand or care for the unique needs of a person with autism,” said Koudstaal.
Koudstaal said she is very proud to see how LLK has grown over the years.
Therapy manager, Koketso Mogomotsi said LLK’s youngest beneficiary is a 19-year-old male and oldest a 60 year-old female,
“In line with autism statistics, we have only seven female beneficiaries and 27 men.
During the day the beneficiaries are engaged in stimulating workshop activities and in the evenings residential activities come into effect.”
Mogomotsi explained that the beneficiaries help around the facility by preparing food as well as gardening and doing laundry.
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