How can I understand autism from a Somali perspective?
These are some common worries that Somali parents have about autism:
- It’s a mental illness
- It means they are disabled
- They might be possessed
- It’s because we live in a western country, people in Somalia don’t have this problem
The truth is that autism is a ‘neurodevelopmental’ difference, which means the brain is wired differently.
Here are some facts about autism:
- It’s not just a western condition, it exists everywhere in the world
- It’s not the fault of the child, the parents or the family
- It affects both boys and girls and some families will have more than one child with autism
- It is a lifelong condition
Everyone with autism is different from each other.
A child with autism might have difficulties with:
- Understanding what people are saying and knowing how to r
espond - Reading body language and facial expressions
- Doing the same things over and over again
Many autistic children will have different qualities and strengths, for example:
- A good memory for facts or the ability to focus on details
- Being more honest and open than other children
- Being happy in their own company
Your child will always have autism throughout their life, but it doesn’t mean they can’t succeed. What will make a difference is early intervention and knowing how to support them.
To download this information and some top tips, click the links below.
How can I understand autism from a Somali perspective (English Version) opens in new tab
How can I understand autism from a Somali perspective (Somali Version) opens in new tab
Autism Independence worked with NIHR to produce these videos to be watched alongside the fact sheet.