About The Founders

Joseph and Tamara Kabali are happy to introduce to you Mulenga Autism Foundation (MAF), a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation that advocates for the wellbeing of individuals with autism spectrum condition. MAF is an initiative conceived from autism parenting experience. The reality of struggles and uncertainty of parenting a child with autism directed our shared vision to raise autism awareness, provide early autism intervention services and create linkages for autism supports in Zambia.

After our son’s diagnosis, we were in a panic mode, searching for autism information and resources to give our son a headstart. While our search yielded less and less, we were at the same time consumed with “diagnosis” shock and grief. To us, a part of our son had been lost, and all the dreams of the first son had come to an end, all too suddenly! We went through bouts of denial, praying desperately, seeking a miracle, and sleepless nights worrying about what the future holds. We had so many questions for which we could not find answers. Where did we go wrong? What could we have done better? Where did it come from? Whose fault was it? Why us? And in all this, there was very little information or support services for us and our son.

With all the unanswered questions, we were privileged to recreate our experience to one that builds hope for families. We have experienced transformational power of unconditional love, care and developmental gains thereof. Through MAF, we are hopeful that our story and successes we have and keep recording with our son can be the experience of many families with similar realities. We have learned to view “diagnosis” as a pathway to supports, enabling us to be presently available in our efforts to care, and focus our collective energies towards potential without being consumed by autism limitations.

Through our journey, we have also learned that Autism acceptance and understanding can be easier with support from our community of family and friends. Acceptance not only settles the mind, but is a powerful tool for meaningful and effective child interventions. As we navigate autism life and living in Zambia, we invite all stakeholders— parents, families, government, corporate and other non-governmental organisations to be part of the change we want,  “an inclusive society that proactively works to recognise autism potential in the developmental agenda of leaving no one behind”. The MAF initiative offers all of us an opportunity to unlock, nurture and showcase autism potential, making our world a better place for all to live in.