​There are 36 community-based centres of excellence in Gauteng providing specialised services for children with special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This move by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) ensure greater access to these services has ensured that children with special needs get ensuring timely intervention, and a continuum of care throughout their lives.
ASD affects a significant number of children in South Africa. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 68 children in South Africa are diagnosed with ASD. In Gauteng, there are about 270 000 people with autism, with around 5 000 new diagnoses each year. These statistics highlight the importance of dedicated services and support systems for children with ASD.
The GDoH has since October 2021 been making significant strides in identifying and establishing community-based centres of excellence with special needs, aiming to create a comprehensive system for assisting children with autism. These centres have multidisciplinary teams including Neurodevelopmental Paediatricians, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists, who create a management plan for each child.
They focus on assessing and treating children with autism using various techniques such as Makaton, play skills, strategies for learning, and self-care, including managing sensory stimulation programs. Children receive regular joint speech therapy and occupational therapy services, addressing individual therapy goals. The inclusion of dietitians in the program empowers parents and caregivers with knowledge to help their children and themselves.
In Johannesburg, these centres include Hillbrow Community Health Centre (CHC), Alexandra CHC, Discovers CHC, Chaiwelo CHC, Zola CHC, Stretford CHC, South Rand Hospital and Bheki Mlangeni Hospital. In Tshwane, they include Stanza Bopape CHC, Eersterust CHC, Laudium CHC, K.T Motubatse CHH, Phedisong 4 CHC, Skinner Street Clinic, Soshanguve CHC and Jubilee District Hospital. 
Families of children with autism and other special needs who live in Sedibeng can get the services at Johan Haynes CHC, Zone 17 Clinic, Kopanong Hospital, Heidelberg Hospital and Sebokeng Hospital. In Ekurhuleni, the centres can be found at the Bertha Gxowa Therapeutic Services centre, Phola Park CHC, Old Vosloorus Poly Clinic, Nokuthela Ngwenya CHC, Daveyton Main CHC, Tsakane Clinic, Itireleng Clinic, Mary Moodley Clinic, Tembisa Health Centre and Crystal Park Clinic. 
In the West Rand, communities can access the services at Greenspark Clinic, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Carletonville Hospital and Leratong Hospital. 
In addition, the GDoH works with non-governmental organisations that provide essential services such as advocacy, education, support groups, and resources for families, helping to bridge gaps in care and support for children with ASD. 
World Autism Awareness Day was observed on 2 April 2025 under the theme: Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.