When Shungu Masawi’s son was born at just 27 weeks, weighing only 1.3kg, survival itself felt like a miracle. But the challenges didn’t end there. From sleepless nights and delayed milestones to an autism diagnosis that reshaped her family’s world, Shungu’s story is one of resilience, prayer, and unwavering faith in God’s promises. In this heartfelt interview, she shares her journey as a mother and caregiver, celebrating small victories, leaning on scripture, and discovering that with God’s hand, even the toughest trials can reveal unexpected triumphs.
Can you share your journey with autism and how it has impacted your life?
My son Nyashadzashe was born 13 years ago, very prematurely at just 27 weeks. He had a very low birth weight of 1,3kg. He stayed in hospital for about 2 months as he was severely ill and had underdeveloped lungs. Upon discharge from the hospital, we were given had a set of instructions on how to care for him and what to watch out for. “Preemies” are known to be very fragile and can even forget to breathe. We were ever on edge and as a new parent, our whole world revolved around him and his schedules.
Nyasha met all his physical milestones, but at about 2 years old, we noticed he would not respond to his name sometimes. He loved watching the same programme all the time on TV and when the show would end, he’d be very upset. However, he loved watching the credits roll and seemed more fascinated by them than the actual programme. When we were at church, he would wonder off from the other toddlers to be on his own. He had a weird fascination with car number plates and would look at the same number plates from the front of the car and then behind it. At home he would hand flap and run around humming and at times walk on his tiptoes.
The worst symptom was that he did not sleep well at night. We would be up at night for hours on end and he would just not sleep. When Nyasha turned 3, he was still nonverbal and was not potty trained. Eventually, we took him for an assessment to a Child Psychologist who diagnosed him with autism. We then started learning more about the condition. We intentionally began teaching him all the skills he lacked. Most of all we prayed for his development. Slowly we accepted his diagnosis, and we have lived with it ever since. He eventually learnt to speak and we successfully potty trained him. Today he is an independent young boy who can look after himself independently.
How do you manage your day-today life as a caregiver?
These days, Nyasha is fairly independent, which is such a blessing. He takes care of most things on his own, but I’ve learned my role is really to keep a prayerful eye on his heart. I pay attention to his temperament, because when something troubles him, he tends to withdraw. In those moments, I know the Lord nudges me to reach out, to remind him that he’s seen, loved, and never alone.
- How has your extended family reacted to the situation, both positively and negatively?
We don’t really live close to extended family, however initially, it made people uncomfortable, and they did not know how to act around us or him. On the positive, they now understand him and accommodate him in the best way possible. We do however take note of the people and environments he is comfortable and avoid people we know he is not comfortable around. Some people cannot help but show annoyance at some of his behaviours even though they know he cannot help it.
What outside influences have shaped your experience as a caregiver?
I research online a lot and apply whatever I learn on my son.
What is your husband's perspective on this issue, and how has he supported you?
He understands our son’s condition and advocates for him everywhere they go together. He gets to do activities with him and that frees up my time to attend to our daughter and do other things. He is also very sensitive to our son’s needs and will ensure his needs are met. He provides financial resources to ensure his needs are fully met.
What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as a caregiver?
I really celebrate potty training successfully and watching him learn how to feed himself when he was around 4 years old. Today, 11 April 2025, at 13, he successfully tied his shoelaces, a skill we have been trying to teach him since he was 11!
How has the Word of God guided you through this journey, and how has it affected your relationship with the Lord?
Oh the promises of God are Yes and Amen!! When I reflected on my son’s life and the way he came into the world too soon, and how he almost didn’t make it out of NICU, it helped me to strengthen my faith. I realised that his life was saved for a purpose, and He who started this would see it to completion. The word promises that He will be with us, He has certainly seen us through this journey. We would not be where we are had it not been for the Lord on our side.
Can you share a specific Bible verse or story that has provided you with strength and encouragement?
Isaiah 46 V 10
Do you offer support or assistance to other parents who have autistic children?
I only do so to parents who are receptive of assistance or support. Some parents have not accepted their children’s condition, and it is therefore difficult to offer support. The condition is still very stigmatised, and people rarely open to each other about their challenges. How do you balance your own needs with the demands of caregiving? I manage quite well. Nyasha goes to school, and I manage to do my work in that time, an even when he is with me at home. He is independent.
What words of wisdom or encouragement would you give to others who are facing similar challenges with autism?
Do not be afraid, for I the Lord am with you, do not gaze about in fear. I will hold you up with my right hand of righteousness. God will see you through if you surrender it to Him. There is nothing impossible for God. I would write down specific prayer requests and give them to God in prayer. I prayed for my son’s speech, and he spoke, I prayed for him to be potty trained, to improve his motor skills, to regulate his moods and ALL these prayers have been answered. This despite a poor prognosis from the Psychologist.