Our Story
The Need
In 2013 we realised that there was a desperate need in Port Shepstone and the surrounding areas for a school which would address the challenges of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
There seemed to be little understanding or acceptance of children with autism in the community. Many schools and teachers were unaware of the prevalence of autism, and did not recognise the early signs and red flags indicating a possible diagnosis of ASD. Children were therefore often labelled as badly behaved or perhaps having low intelligence. Many children were excluded from enrolment in mainstream schools as these schools are not equipped to deal with the ASD child’s specialised needs.
As a result, families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder were desperate and at a loss as to where to turn for help.
The solution
A small team of interested professionals and parents got together and started Autism South Coast, an organisation promoting awareness of autism.
Since April 2012, Autism South Coast hosted a support group for families, teachers and professionals interested in learning more about autism and how to overcome the challenges presented by the condition. Now that our school is open, teachers and parents find support within our existing community.
Their vision of having a school here in Port Shepstone for children with autism became a reality in January 2014 when CSLC first opened its doors.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
First Things First
The school was registered as a Non Profit Organisation in 2013 and opened the doors to the first pupils in January 2014. Premises for the school were kindly provided by the Norwegian Settlers Church. These premises are ideally situated in a very central position, readily accessible from areas north, south and inland of Port Shepstone.
Cornerstone Learning Centre celebrates their 10th year anniversary at the beginning of 2024. However, towards the end of 2023, the school received a notice of possible legal action due to a claim of trademark infringement by another school with a similar name. The CSLC board took the decision to change our name to CS Learning Centre ‘Can Succeed’.
We are delighted with our new name as we believe that it heralds the start of our new senior phase, the CS Skills Centre (CSSC) which is due to open in January 2024. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW SOON.
OUR Vision:
CS Learning Centre aims to create awareness in the community of the prevalence of autism and how to include these individuals in our society in a caring, non-judgmental manner.
Teachers, parents and other interested persons are able to attend courses and workshops which are held at the school, with the aim of supporting individuals with autism wherever they may be attending school.
Families are welcome to come to the school for advice on where to go for assessments and therapy, and how to be able to help their child in their own homes.
CS Learning Centre will be realising their long awaited aim to develop a pre-vocational training unit, CS Skills Centre, in January 2024. We aim to reach out into the community and be a centre for learners who are interested in and able to benefit from a practical curriculum but do not meet the criteria for mainstream skills centres. MORE INFO SOON.