My dearest Akintade,
You are my first child, the child of my youth, my womb opener. I still vividly remember when you were diagnosed with autism at just 2.5 years old. Before that moment, I noticed some early signs—things that made me worry deeply. You struggled to maintain eye contact, didn’t respond to your name the way I expected, and often seemed distant, as if the world around you was too overwhelming. I watched you retreat into your own space, and my heart ached. Those days were filled with fear, worry, and endless trips to doctors and specialists. I was searching for answers, desperate to understand what was happening, and terrified for your little brother, who I carried in my womb at the time. I was paranoid, afraid, and confused.
The day your brother was born, I cried. I remember holding him in my arms and apologizing to my tiny baby. I felt guilt—guilt for not being able to give him a brother who would sing to him, rock him to sleep, or grow up alongside him in the way I had always imagined. I wonder if you saw the fear in my eyes during those times. There were moments when you would cry, then suddenly stop, turning to look at me as if you understood. It was as though you knew my fears without me ever having to say a word.
Since then, I have fought many battles—strangers giving us looks, hospitals for the right treatment, social services for the support we needed, and the educational system for a school that would be the best fit for you. I threw myself into work, determined to give you the best life I could. There have been days when I felt exhausted, but each small progress you made kept us going. Every step forward you’ve taken has been a prayer answered. Even if parents of neurotypical children might not understand, I celebrate every little milestone, for they are victories for you and for us.
Akintade, you have come so far. You can now sit calmly, communicate in your own way, and make sense of the world around you on your terms. I’ve learned that God’s beauty shines through our children in different ways, each one unique. People often ask me when you’ll get a job, get married, or have children of your own. What they don’t realise is that God’s miracles unfold in their own time. I am overjoyed with the things you can do now—the things I once thought you might never be able to achieve. You tidy up your own centre, the Tade Autism Centre, organizing everything for yourself and the others who benefit from it. Without any spoken word or formal contract, you’ve earned your place as the CEO of your own centre. God has truly been good to you, my son.
I look to God every day as He continues to reveal His special plan for your life. Through it all, I’ve faced challenges, persecution, and pain because of the world’s lack of understanding, but it has opened my eyes to the greater things God has in store. As a Christian, I trust that He makes everything beautiful in His time, and I will forever be grateful for the precious gift that is you.
I love you always,
Your mother
Folu
Founder Tade Autism centre , Autism Treatment Support initiatives
You can follow Take Autism Centre on Instagram @tadeautism.center
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#AutismAwareness #GodsPlan #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismDiagnosis #FaithInTheJourney #ParentingWithLove #AutismAcceptance #StrengthInLove #Neurodiversity #TadeAutismCentre
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