By Gabriel Olawale 

Autism, among black people, has remained misunderstood and stigmatized. A disease generally associated with neuro-developmental conditions, day in and day out kids are diagnosed with autism, and families have to adopt. 

According to WHO, 1 in 100 children has autism. In a time when Africans are seeking knowledge on how to live with Autism and for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) author Elsie Rogers published her book “Autistic: Leaping Over Walls While Living With Autism”. 

“I realize the need to help those living with kids on the spectrum, especially as African folks. Certain disabilities are still being frowned upon and stigmatized, I have an autistic child and have had to learn to navigate life with it. It is not a death sentence, it is not an unmanageable disability”. 

Elsie who has been on the Autistic journey with her first child for the last 25 years, has learned how to navigate being a working woman, and a mother to an autistic child while not neglecting her other child. 

Along with this year’s World Autism Awareness Day Celebration and theme “’Empowering Autistic Voices”. Her books serve to show how individuals living with Autism can reach their full lives and potential It is a grasp on African families and serves as a lifeline for those grappling with Autistic family members and the stigma of the disability. It shows them how to successfully manage autism, drawing from her experiences and offering guidance on being part of regular day society.

Autistic: Leaping Over Walls While Living With Autism can help families who are still learning how to navigate this world. It can show people that, autistic individuals are special, have talents, and can live fulfilling lives despite their neurological development.