A Family Helping Build a World Where Autism is Understood and Embraced

Inspired by their son and an isolating autism parenting journey, the Rosenberg family has stepped out of the shadows to build “Ony’s Angels”: a beautiful support initiative inviting all of... The post A Family Helping Build a World Where Autism is Understood and Embraced appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 24, 2026 - 13:28

A Family Helping Build a World Where Autism is Understood and Embraced

Inspired by their son and an isolating autism parenting journey, the Rosenberg family has stepped out of the shadows to build “Ony’s Angels”: a beautiful support initiative inviting all of South Africa to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals are truly seen, heard, and embraced.

Barrydale, South Africa (24 May 2026) – The reality of severe autism in South Africa remains largely in the shadows. Information and support systems are rarely easy to access, leaving families across the country to bear the heavy emotional toll of navigating a journey few truly understand.

It’s a journey that Rachel Rosenberg and her family have been walking together. Now, they are inviting more South Africans to walk alongside them through Ony’s Angels: a special support and awareness initiative inspired by their six-year-old son, Onyx, who lives with severe autism.

Rachel and her husband, James, live in a rural town called Barrydale, in the Western Cape. During South Africa’s level 5 COVID lockdown, they adopted Onyx and his twin sister, Lavender, who also has autism.

“What I love most about my children is their unique personalities, their resilience, and the way they see the world so differently and beautifully. Onyx, especially, has completely changed the way I view life. Through him, I’ve learned patience, compassion, and how important it is to celebrate every small milestone that many people may otherwise overlook,” Rachel tells Good Things Guy.

Onyx is non-speaking and requires full-time care. Rachel and James’ lives revolve around therapies, routines, sensory challenges, specialist needs, safety concerns, caregiving costs, and the constant balancing act of trying to give him the best quality of life possible while still functioning as a family.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Rachel Rosenberg

Like many parents in similar situations, they soon discovered how isolating this world can be. But instead of hiding from it, they decided to build something from it.

What began as simply sharing their journey online has started growing into Ony’s Angels: a social media platform focused on severe autism awareness, support, honesty, and fundraising to help carry the enormous costs that come with raising a child like Onyx.

“We are also trying to create a community where families feel seen instead of ashamed or invisible.”

Rachel says the response to Ony’s Angels has been overwhelming – in the best possible way!

“So many parents have reached out saying they feel seen, understood, and less alone. We’ve had messages from families who relate deeply to our journey and who are grateful for a safe and honest space where autism can be spoken about openly, without judgment. Even though the platform is still growing, the support and encouragement from the public have been incredibly uplifting,” she says.

For this family, the most fulfilling part of building this awareness platform has been creating connection and hope.

“Autism parenting can feel very isolating, especially in the beginning, and if sharing our story helps even one family feel supported or understood, then it’s worth it. I also love being able to educate others and encourage more empathy and acceptance for autistic children and adults.”

Their ultimate hope and goal is to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals are embraced for who they are. To support Onyx’s journey or to learn more, visit the Ony’s Angels Facebook or Instagram pages.