By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

In a world where targets and milestones are often the measure of progress, parenting can become a daunting journey when your child deviates from the norm,

This is an excerpt from a mum’s view in the book “The Boys with the Happy Feet Dance”, written by Bode Abifarin, sheds light on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, focusing on navigating these challenges and fostering resilience.

The book serves as a comforting companion for those navigating private struggles in their parenting journey, reinforcing the idea that being different is indeed a superpower.

In the 65-page book, Abifarin, mother of eight-year-old twin boys Ethan and Nathan Abifarin, unfolds not only as a chronicle of high and low but as a guidebook for finding courage in adversity, advocating for loved ones ad championing inclusivity.

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The book chronicles the remarkable journey of a mother’s unwavering dedication to her twin boys; Ethan and Nathan, both on the spectrum, and the narrative unfolds from both the children’s and their mother’s viewpoints, weaving a tapestry of experiences.

Abifarin uses the book to share the joys and struggles of nurturing her sons from their own perspectives, offering readers a rare glimpse into their journey from setbacks to phenomenal success.

The book aimed at young readers, resonates across generations, inspiring both young and old to be mindful of kindness, acts of service and recognition of progress in its truest form

Speaking at the launch of the book in Lagos, the author, Bode Abifarin, said that the book tells a story of resilience, care and nurturing.

She said: “This book focus on everything parents go through to ensure our wards and the children placed under our care thrives. My inspiration has been my twin boys, it documents everything I went through in raising them, in nurturing and helping them to grow. I have always done this in small groups of two or three parents. I had a leading to put this down so that more people can have access to it and be inspired.

“I like to say that they are extra special children, because everybody has a gift. You call it autism but it is a spectrum because there are different ends of the spectrum. When you find that your child has been diagnosed, as a caregiver, you help them to grow and flourish.

“Early diagnosis helps to attack it from a place of knowledge. When you find that your child is special don’t hide them, go for the knowledge, resources, learn and do research, get information to help your child”, he said.

On her part, Book reviewer, Lola Esan, described the book as pure love, inspiration, insight and knowledge, packed in what cannot be gotten anywhere else, the realness, passion and emotion behind the author’s intent of putting the book out.

“Apart from the book being an expression of love out of her experience of raising her kids, it is even a timeless gift to humanity. As African, this is not a subject we really have an insight out there from a personal point of view. Writing it in the words of her kids, and a mum’s version is timeless, is comfort for those probably going through this privately. We witness not only history unfold here, but we witness a revelation and a gift of love from a mother to her children.

“Autism is not a defect but a superpower. We need to move beyond seeing it as an ailment, it is a perceptive of live, it is not something we can continue to look or treat with an exception, it is here. Even in our work places we got to make provision for neuro divergent individuals, it is not something only kids have.

“Labeling is not a good thing. We should advocate more and educate ourselves to accommodate and make provision for people who because they are different makes them bad or inadequate”, she said. 

Also, the editor of the book, Lolade Alaka, highlighted the book’s unique perspective. “The Boys With the Happy Feet Dance” is special because it offers insight into the lives of individuals with autism and their caregivers, directly through the voices of Bode’s sons. Alaka praised the book’s heartwarming narrative and the empathy it fosters for those living with ASD and ADHD.

The launch event underscored the increasing awareness and progress in understanding autism as guests urged continued support from both communities and governments.

“The Boys with Happy Feet Dance” stands as a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and compassion in overcoming obstacles, offering hope and encouragement to all those touched by ASD and ADHD.