Joshua Sandy, a 15-year-old entrepreneur living with autism has turned his love for baking into a cookie company with the help of his parents, Sandy Pekeur-Sandy and Marc Sandy. The campaign is called Be My Voice – One Cookie at a Time, a baking initiative of the Nosh for Josh Foundation.
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The Nosh for Josh Foundation was created to help spread awareness and education on Autism Spectrum Disorder within the disadvantaged communities of South Africa.
Be My Voice – One Cookie at a Time was launched on World Autism Day last year, 2022 and the cookies are baked by Joshua with the help of his mother, Sandy.
Joshua was born on World Autism Day, 2 April, but was only diagnosed at the age of 2 after his teacher picked up signs of a developmental delay in Joshua.
Joshua’s mother, Sandy says the family has had to adapt in every aspect of life in order to accommodate Joshua’s diagnosis. Sandy gave up her job to look after Joshua full time – “Joshua has gained and developed more since I have been at home and I am extremely proud of him”.
Although Joshua cannot read or write, he is able to communicate a few words, is extremely independent and follows instructions very well. When he isn’t baking up a storm, he enjoys swimming and hiking.
Joshua is currently enrolled in Stellenbosch University’s Biokinetics programme called Kinderkinetics – a programme aimed at improving the gross motor skills of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For anyone who wants to get their hand on some delicious cookies: contact Sandy Pekeur-Sandy on 27 72 504 5384 or via email at [email protected]
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Picture: Sandy Pekeur-Sandy
