The document discusses autism and the goals of the Little Francois Autism Foundation (LFAF) in South Africa. The LFAF aims to create opportunities for autistic children, promote their acceptance, and establish an autism school in Bloemfontein. It outlines the foundation's roadmap, which includes registering the organization, fundraising, building the school, and expanding to other areas. The overall goal is to improve the lives of autistic individuals and raise awareness of autism.

1. Children who have been diagnosed with autism need to be celebrated and appreciated for their uniqueness and their different abilities

2. VISION To create a future for all autistic children by joining them as partners in their worlds, and in so doing, build the bridges between our world and theirs. And for generations going forth to ensure through research that we strive to mobilize the prevention of the worldwide spiraling autism prevalence.

4. CORE VALUES Effective, evidence-based educational practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) will be: CHILD AND ADULT- CENTRED Providing holistic enhancement of students’ learning potential while responding to individual, social, emotional and physical needs. RESPECTFUL Reflect fair, dignified, cultural and linguistically sensitive practices. RESPONSIVE Focus on the needs of both the child as well as the family, embracing evidence-based practices and encouraging continuous research as well as innovation . ACCESSIBLE Execute equitable, coordinated, all inclusive, timely, transparent and responsive policies, programs and services . ACCOUNTABLE Ensure positive performance outcomes.

5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE LF SCHOOL TO BE ESTABLISHED • All students have the opportunity to succeed. • Each student has his or her own unique and accepted pattern of learning. • Everyone involved in the education of students with ASD will be empowered to execute the LFAF objectives. • Students with ASD have seamless educational transitions. • Students have access to services, support, programs and a range of placements in society that they will need in order to live up to their full potential.

6. Successful educational practices are evidence-based and founded on research. • Universal design and differentiated instruction provide teachers with effective methods to address the various needs of the students. • Classroom teachers have the primary responsibility for a student’s literacy and linguistic development. Programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders will be designed and implemented in collaboration with the classroom teacher and other individuals involved with the student. • School systems and classroom teachers need to work collaboratively with the broader professional community and families, and have access to coordinated community resources and supports, to create a learning environment that supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. • Educators and related professionals must have the competencies and current knowledge, gained through high quality professional development including mentoring, to understand and address the learning requirements of students with ASD. • Educators use instructional strategies that promote student capacity for independent learning and self determination, including self-advocacy.

9. LFAF strives to bring hope, joy, courage and acceptance to all ASD persons… “ Blessed are those who stop and listen to my chatter. You may not understand me, but I love it when people talk to me, for I long for companionship too…” “ Blessed are those who take my hand and walk with me when the path is rough, for I easily stumble and grow weary. But thank you, too, for letting me walk alone when the path is smooth, for I must learn independence…” “ Blessed are those who take the time to tell me about special happenings, for unless you make special effort to inform me, I remain ignorant…” “ Blessed are those who wait for me. I may be slow, but I appreciate your patience…” “ Blessed are those who are not ashamed to be seen in public with me, for I did not choose to be born thus. It could have been you as well…” “ Blessed are those who do not pity me, for I don't want pity. All I want is understanding and respect for what I have learned as well…” “ Blessed are those who notice my accomplishments, small as they may seem to you. I must work long and hard to learn many of the things you take for granted…” “ Blessed are those who include me in their games, even though I may not understand the rules, I still like to be included in your activities…” “ Blessed are those who think of me as a person who loves, and hurts, and feels joy and pain just like you do, for in that respect I am normal…” “ Blessed is the one that lives his life for me and wants to make a difference for me and my peers…” “… I am blessed for having my own place in the sun…” By JO DEAN

10. Banking Details: Acc. Name: Little Francois Autism Foundation First National Bank, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein, RSA Current Account No. 62396411935 Branch Code: 25 06 55 Registration No. 2011/011381/08 Tax Reference No. 9096/367/18/1 Call us on +27 78 675 0562 or email jodeanbcci@gmail.com for more information Thank you so much for caring… ‘ Little Francois’