Our Journey
with Autism

Every family has a story, but ours took a turn we didn’t initially see on the map. A diagnosis changed everything—and yet, in the light of God’s grace, changed nothing about how deeply our children are loved.

This page is for the parents, families, and friends walking “the other side” — you are not alone.

“Autism didn’t change how much we loved our children.
It changed how we learned to understand them.”
– Carla Kühn-Potgieter

Our Journey
with Autism

Every family has a story, but ours took a turn we didn’t initially see on the map. A diagnosis changed everything—and yet, in the light of God’s grace, changed nothing about how deeply our children are loved.

This page is for the parents, families, and friends walking “the other side” — you are not alone.

– A DIAGNOSIS

When the Map Changed

When we first stepped into the world of autism, it felt like entering a foreign land without a map. There was a season of deep processing—navigating the shock, the questions, and the uncertainty of what the future would hold.

As a family dedicated to the Word, we had to lean into our faith like never before. We discovered that while the path was steeper than we expected, we were never walking it alone.

– The unexpected path

Entering a New World

Processing & Uncertainty

There was a season of deep processing—shock, questions, and the weight of “what now?” as we considered the future for Ewald and Estiaan.

Faith as Our Anchor

We leaned into our faith like never before. The road was steeper than we expected, but we learned we were never walking it alone.

– A different lens

What Autism Has Taught Us

Autism has been our greatest teacher. It has challenged our definitions of “progress” and “success.” In our home, we have learned to:

  • Celebrate the “Small” Wins: A new word, a calm afternoon, or a shared smile are monumental milestones.

  • Embrace the Silence: Sometimes God speaks loudest in the moments where words aren’t necessary.

  • Practice True Patience: Learning to move at the pace our children need, rather than the pace the world demands.

– Faith in the midst

God Does Not Make Mistakes

Their unique way of seeing the world isn’t a “broken” version of typical development; it is a testament to the diversity of His creation.

People often ask how we reconcile a “perfect” God with a “difficult” diagnosis. Our answer is simple: God does not make mistakes. We believe that Ewald and Estiaan are created exactly as He intended.

This journey hasn’t weakened our faith; it has refined it. It has taught us that His will is perfect—not because it is easy, but because He is in it with us.

– The other side

The Textbooks Don’t Always Mention

Love Without Words

The depth of love that requires no words.

Simple Joy

The purity of joy found in the simplest things.

Hidden Strength

The strength you never knew you had until you had to advocate for your child.

– Why we share

So You Know You’re Not Alone

We share our story because we know how lonely the “other side” can feel. We know the exhaustion of the sleepless nights and the weight of the “what-ifs”.

If you are a parent navigating a recent diagnosis or a difficult season on the spectrum, we want you to see our family and know: There is hope. There is a community that understands, and there is a God who sustains.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11