Autism Awareness Month

I know that I am a little late however by virtue of this special month, my contribution matters. It matters because I am an ‘’ausome’’ auntie or rather ‘’ausome’’ small mommy. ‘’Ausome’’ auntie simply means embracing that I have an ‘’ausome’’ nephew living with Autism. Small mommy because African culture recognises me as a small mommy because I come after my big sister. Additionally, because African culture gives you parental rights over your siblings’ children. In the context of my contribution, I will refer to myself as an ‘’ausome’’ aunt. 

We are prone to read or hear about autism on social media platforms. Some even have family members living or raising children with Autism.

The World Health Organisation defines Autism Spectrum Disorder as a condition related to the development of the brain. About one in one  hundred children has Autism disorder. The needs of autistic people vary and evolve over time. While others vary, others will require life long care and support. 

The one in one hundred children is my beautiful nephew. 

When my nephew was diagnosed with Autism, we as a family had many fears. At the time of his diagnosis we were not informed about the condition. We knew of its existence and the difficulties that come with the condition. In as much as the condition itself, our fear was mostly directly towards him. Him being socially accepted was and sometimes is still a fear. I think it’s because we are well aware of the world we live in and not everyone is kind to people, especially people living with Autism. 

People are extremely harsh to children with Autism. I see this all the time when I head out to the malls. To a certain extent, I am well aware of the lack of education that people have about Autism disorder. Others are generally not kind and are very quick to make remarks about disciplining children a certain way. 

Oh yes, we see the stares when I chase my nephew up and down in the mall. Some of the looks I’ve discerned come from pity, others confusion and ‘’why don’t you just leave him at home’’. No, this is not in my head. This is my truth and I also speak for my family. 

However, growth and exposure have taught me not to get angry because some people genuinely  don’t understand and others are not interested in learning. That is also okay. 

I think what I wish most people understood is that every child is a blessing from God. Children are not the same. Every child is designed to be different. Every child has a purpose that they are meant to fulfill on this earth. Every child requires love and support. 

We love our little blessing that God gave us. I think the strangest part about our journey with Autism is that we have been graced to see my nephew’s purpose. I am so honoured to be his aunt. 

God has a great sense of humour because although non-verbal he is so funny. We are always laughing in his presence. He has brought  so much joy to our family. I wouldn’t have any other way. 

What they don’t tell you about special children is that they have many special abilities and we get to bear witness. One thing I have learnt as an ‘’ausome’’ aunt is not only patience however, listening to what is not being said. 

I am not only writing this piece to raise awareness of Autism. I want to raise awareness on the importance of kindness to moms and dads raising children with autism. Parents raising children with special needs require kindness to be extended to them. We also need inclusive education systems for children with special needs. When we ask you to please sign our petitions we need support because speech therapy, psychologists and schools accommodating children with Autism are costly. 

There is grace for provision for my nephew to have access to some of the best resources. However, what about the single moms or dads doing this on their own without support?

This is a call to action for the inclusion of children with special needs by the government. We need more support please! We will always advocate for our children until we get the support we need. 

Phiwe Mncwabe is storyteller, blogger and voice in Africa.

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