Your rights as the parent of an autistic child — in plain language. What the law says, what you can ask for, and what to do when you are not being heard.
This guide is written in plain language — not legal language. It tells you what your rights are, what you can ask for, and the words you can use when speaking to hospitals and schools.
You do not need a lawyer to use these rights. You do not need to be aggressive. You simply need to know what you are entitled to — and ask for it clearly and confidently. This guide helps you do that.
Zimbabwe's Constitution (Section 56) guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Your child must receive the same standard of care as any other patient.
Constitution of Zimbabwe s.56 · CRPD Article 25As the parent or guardian of an autistic child, you have the right to stay with your child during examinations and procedures. Separation without urgent medical necessity is not acceptable.
Children's Act Chapter 5:06 · CRPD Article 25No procedure can be carried out on your child without your informed consent. This includes sedation, restraint, or any invasive procedure. You must be told clearly what will happen and why — in language you understand.
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act · CRPD Article 12You can ask the hospital to make adjustments for your child — a quieter waiting area, shorter waiting time, a private room, staff who approach calmly. These requests are reasonable and should be honoured where possible.
CRPD Article 25(d)If your child is mistreated, you can complain to the hospital management, the Zimbabwe Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (ZMDPC), and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Use our Hospital Complaint Letter Generator to help you write the letter.
ZMDPC Code of ConductZimbabwe's Constitution (Section 75) guarantees every child the right to a basic education. This right applies to autistic children and children with disabilities equally.
Constitution of Zimbabwe s.75 · Education Act Chapter 25:04You have the right to formally request that the school makes adjustments to support your child's learning. This includes classroom changes, communication support, sensory adjustments, and more. The school should respond in writing.
Education Act Chapter 25:04 · CRPD Article 24Excluding a child because of their disability or disability-related behaviour without proper process and support is a violation of their rights. Any exclusion must follow proper procedure.
Constitution s.56 · CRPD Article 24You have the right to request a meeting with the class teacher and head teacher to discuss your child's needs. Request this in writing and keep a copy of everything.
Education Act Chapter 25:04If the school does not respond to your requests or continues to fail your child, you can escalate your complaint to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Education Act Chapter 25:04Write a formal letter — use our Zimbabwe School Support Letter Generator. If there is still no response, contact the District Education Officer in your area, and then the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Under the Equality Act 2010, the NHS is legally required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled patients. This includes adjustments for autism — shorter waiting times, quiet rooms, different communication approaches, advance warning before procedures.
Equality Act 2010 s.20NHS England supports the use of Hospital Passports for autistic patients and those with learning disabilities. You can complete our free Hospital Passport and present it at every appointment. Staff should read it.
NHS Constitution · NICE Guidelines NG11No procedure can be carried out on your child without your informed consent. For a child who cannot consent themselves, you as parent or guardian must consent. You must be given time to understand what is proposed.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 · NHS ConstitutionFor planned procedures, you can ask the hospital to allow a pre-visit so your child can see the environment and meet staff before the actual appointment. Many hospitals will accommodate this for autistic children.
NHS Long Term Plan · Autism Act 2009Every NHS trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can complain to PALS, to the hospital's complaints team, to NHS England, or to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if the response is unsatisfactory.
NHS Constitution · Health Service Ombudsman ActIf your child has significant needs that cannot be met through standard school support, you can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment from your Local Authority. This is free and the LA must respond within 6 weeks.
Children and Families Act 2014 s.36Under the Equality Act 2010, all schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils. Autism is recognised as a disability under this Act. Schools cannot wait until a child has an EHCP before making adjustments.
Equality Act 2010 · SEND Code of Practice 2015Schools must involve parents in planning for children with SEND. You have the right to attend review meetings, contribute to any plans, and request changes. Your views must be recorded.
Children and Families Act 2014 · SEND CoPFixed-term and permanent exclusions must follow strict legal procedures. Excluding a child because of disability-related behaviour without proper support in place may be unlawful disability discrimination.
Equality Act 2010 · School Exclusions Guidance 2017Every Local Authority must provide a free SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service). They can help you understand your rights and support you in meetings with schools.
Children and Families Act 2014 s.32Contact your Local Authority SENDIASS service (free). You can also complain to the school's governors, to the Local Authority, and ultimately to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) if your EHCP request is refused. Keep records of everything in writing.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been ratified by the majority of African countries. It legally requires governments and their institutions — including hospitals and schools — to ensure equal access, reasonable adjustments, and non-discrimination for people with disabilities including autism.
CRPD — UN 2006Most African countries have ratified this Charter, which guarantees the right of every child — including children with disabilities — to education, healthcare, and protection from discrimination. Article 13 specifically addresses children with disabilities.
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child — Article 13The Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa reinforces the CRPD and requires African Union member states to ensure inclusive education, accessible healthcare, and full participation for people with disabilities. Reference this when speaking to officials.
African Disability Protocol — AU 2018Article 24 of the CRPD requires that State Parties ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and that reasonable accommodations are provided for children with disabilities. You can reference this in any letter to a school in any country that has ratified the CRPD.
CRPD Article 24Article 25 of the CRPD guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability. Healthcare providers must provide care of the same quality as that provided to non-disabled patients.
CRPD Article 25Find out which of these treaties your country has ratified — most African countries have signed the CRPD and the African Charter. Once ratified, these become part of your country's legal obligations. You can reference them in formal letters and complaints to schools and hospitals. Use our Africa School Support Letter Generator which automatically includes the relevant legal references for your country.
CRPD · African Charter · African Disability ProtocolDocument everything — dates, names, what was said. Write a formal letter referencing the CRPD and African Charter. Send it to the head of the institution and to the relevant government ministry. If there is still no response, contact your country's National Human Rights Commission or equivalent body. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights can also receive complaints about violations of African Charter rights.