Today is Autism Awareness Day, and while many will wear blue, share a post, or show support online, I want to share something deeper. For my family — and for countless others — autism awareness isn’t something we celebrate once a year. It’s every single day. It’s the rhythm of our lives, the decisions we make, the love we give, and the battles we face.
Autism isn’t just something we talk about. In our home, autism has a name: Akintade.
The Journey to Diagnosis: A Long Road Without a Map
When Akintade was diagnosed, it didn’t come as a neat package with answers. It came with questions, delays, and heartache. The process of getting him assessed was like walking through molasses — slow, sticky, and frustrating. Long waiting lists. Professionals who didn’t understand. A healthcare system that made us feel like we were asking for too much.
But as any special needs parent will tell you, getting a diagnosis is only the first hurdle.
The Battle for Support in a System That’s Not Built for Us
Once we had a diagnosis, the next battle was accessing meaningful support. Help exists, but it’s buried under red tape, funding cuts, and endless forms. You need to become a part-time lawyer, full-time advocate, and occasional warrior just to secure your child’s basic rights.
And yet — somehow — I had to keep pushing forward in my career. Yes, I am a high-profile professional. A mother and a woman with a powerful career. But you’d be shocked how often people are surprised by that.
“How do you do it all?”
“You mean you still work?”
As if mothers of children with special needs should disappear from ambition.
The Stereotypes, the Stares, and the Silence
There’s the stares from strangers when Akintade is having a sensory moment in public. The chastisement from Government departments when you ask for what your child needs, as though autism only matters if you earn below a certain threshold. The whispers, the side-eyes, the unsolicited advice from people who have never walked in your shoes.
And in my own ethnic group, the ignorance can be especially painful. I’ve been advised — no, instructed — to visit spiritualists. To “pray it away.” I’ve been told my son’s condition was due to spiritual warfare or ancestral curses. And I’ve been told — more than once — that I’m to blame.
Families Like Mine Don’t Need Pity. We Need Partnership.
We need people to understand that autism doesn’t have a “look.” That children like Akintade are not broken. They’re beautifully, uniquely wired. They may speak differently, learn differently, play differently — but they are worthy of love, patience, and celebration.
And we, as parents, don’t need pity. We need:
- Respect.
- Real support.
- Relief from policies that punish us for asking for help.
- Space to be both parents and professionals — without judgment.
Let’s Celebrate Autism – Every Day
Today, I invite you to not only celebrate children like Akintade, but the families who love them fiercely. We celebrate:
- Every milestone, no matter how small.
- Every nonverbal hug.
- Every sensory-friendly win.
- Every educator who “gets it.”
- Every parent doing their best in a world that often doesn’t make room for them.
Let’s raise awareness, not just for a day — but for a lifetime.
What The World Needs to Know About Autism:
- Autism is not a tragedy. Ignorance is.
- Every autistic person is different — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
- Early support changes lives.
- Parents aren’t superheroes — we need help too.
- Be kind. Your understanding could be someone’s lifeline.
Explore Autism Diet Solutions
I’ve created a helpful resource for families navigating autism — a practical guide called:
👉 10 Autism Diets to Help Reduce Symptoms
It’s designed for parents who want to explore how nutrition can support their child’s wellbeing. Whether you’re new to dietary intervention or looking for additional insight, this guide is for you.
Final Words
Every day is Autism Awareness Day in our home — not because we choose it, but because we live it. And while it’s tough, it’s also full of moments that take our breath away.
To the world: Be kind to us. Be kind to our children. Be part of the change.
To families on the same journey: You are seen. You are powerful. You are not alone.
Let’s Connect
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Written with love and fire, from one autism mama (FOLU) to the world 💙
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Akintade’s christening @ 40 days old
Akintade now
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