ID Application Became Beacon of Belonging for Non-Speaking Autistic Son

Photo Credit: The Sisu Hub

An ID application met with nothing short of heartwarming kindness, patience and inclusiveness. This is a heartwarming story about the exceptional warmth and professionalism shown to a mother and her autistic non-speaking son, who were seen, respected, and acknowledged by the system.

Pretoria, South Africa (16 July 2025) – For most South African families, helping your child get their ID is a simple errand, but for Stefanie Louw, the mother of a non-speaking autistic young adult, even everyday tasks require a bit of extra planning and intention.

When her son Jaco turned 18, one of the first things on her to-do list was helping him get his South African ID card.

“In South Africa, you can either go to the Department of Home Affairs or schedule an appointment at an authorised bank,” Stefanie shares with The Sisu Hub.

“Knowing how overwhelming government offices can be, loud, crowded, and unpredictable, we opted for the second option and made an appointment at FNB at The Grove Mall in Pretoria East. It turned out to be the best decision we could’ve made.”

Their careful preparation, which involved using spelling to communicate each step of the process to Jaco, proved invaluable. At the bank, they were met with exceptional warmth and professionalism. The staff not only accommodated Jaco’s unique communication method without judgment but also spoke directly to him, ensuring he felt seen and respected.

“I explained that my son doesn’t speak but communicates by spelling. There were no strange looks or dismissive comments, just genuine interest and support.

“We received the usual stares from the public, but by now, I am a veteran at holding my head high and focusing on the task at hand, supporting my son.”

Stephanie further detailed how each part of the process, photo, fingerprints, and forms, was handled with care, under the guidance of patient staff.

“When something needed explaining, they addressed him directly and allowed me to support him as needed. It was clear they had experience dealing with a wide range of clients and were committed to being inclusive.”
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During the process, Stephanie also experienced an unexpected wave of emotions when Jaco’s photo was taken and the fingerprints scanned.

“I felt an unexpected wave of emotion. This wasn’t just paperwork; it was a milestone. A moment when my son, a young man who communicates differently, was seen, respected, and recognised by the system.”

“So often, we hear stories about how hard it is to navigate systems with a nonspeaking child or adult. And yes, those challenges are real. But it’s just as important to share the good stories, the ones where things go right, where people are kind, and where systems do, in fact, work,” Stephanie says.

She encourages other families approaching this milestone with their own non-speaking teen or young adult to take heart, and that with a bit of preparation and the right setting, it can go well.

“That small plastic card represents something bigger: belonging, identity, and the right to be seen, not just by a camera lens, but by society itself.”