Tavia Mapp-Deterville had a gut feeling about her youngest child Hunter. According to the mom of two, her son’s play habits were different. ”All the kids his age were really talking and playing with each other and he had no interest,” she explained. Combined with “terrible tantrums” and delayed speech, she soon learned Hunter was autistic. 

Motherhood has been a journey for Tavia. The boutique Public Relations Agency owner had her first child at 17. “I was single, still navigating graduating high school, trying to figure out who I was as a teenage mom and as a person, helping my mom raise my sisters, and relying on family for support. All of this came with the challenge of choosing not to go away to college and immediately having to work and attain childcare.”

Motherhood has been a journey for Tavia. The boutique Public Relations Agency owner had her first child at 17. “I was single, still navigating graduating high school, trying to figure out who I was as a teenage mom and as a person, helping my mom raise my sisters, and relying on family for support. All of this came with the challenge of choosing not to go away to college and immediately having to work and attain childcare.”

Those days are long gone. Now 35, the loving mom, wife and businesswoman, is in a solid relationship, is financially stable, and has a clearer sense of self. 

Those days are long gone. Now 35, the loving mom, wife and businesswoman, is in a solid relationship, is financially stable, and has a clearer sense of self. 

“My daughter grew up with me,” she expressed, “I often regret not being the mom to her that I am to Hunter. Hunter has two involved present parents and my daughter never had that. Despite it, she is an amazing sister. College graduate, gainfully employed, living on her own, great friend and person. I am the proudest of my children. My biggest accomplishments to date.”

Hunter, now 10, was diagnosed with autism at 3-years-old. ”It was a fight and costly.” Autism tests can range from $1,200 to $5,000 without insurance. But Tavia made it happen, says reports. But that was only half the battle. “I then had to wait for months to get the results.” 

“My daughter grew up with me,” she expressed, “I often regret not being the mom to her that I am to Hunter. Hunter has two involved present parents and my daughter never had that. Despite it, she is an amazing sister. College graduate, gainfully employed, living on her own, great friend and person. I am the proudest of my children. My biggest accomplishments to date.”

Hunter, now 10, was diagnosed with autism at 3-years-old. ”It was a fight and costly.” Autism tests can range from $1,200 to $5,000 without insurance. But Tavia made it happen, says reports. But that was only half the battle. “I then had to wait for months to get the results.” 

Hunter’s diagnosis made him eligible to receive services from OPWDD and the DOE, such as speech and OT therapy at school. 

Hunter’s diagnosis made him eligible to receive services from OPWDD and the DOE, such as speech and OT therapy at school. 

In the Black community it is especially prevalent to label a child “special” but avoid actual diagnosis, Tavia shared some signs all parents can look out for.

In the Black community it is especially prevalent to label a child “special” but avoid actual diagnosis, Tavia shared some signs all parents can look out for.

“While signs and symptoms differ amongst children, echolalia or repeating words or phrases, extreme distress to change, meltdowns, and making friends.”

“While signs and symptoms differ amongst children, echolalia or repeating words or phrases, extreme distress to change, meltdowns, and making friends.”

With autism being recognized on mainstream levels, more awareness about the neurodevelopmental condition makes it easier to understand. A major misconception Tavia says about autism is the belief people with autism aren’t smart.

With autism being recognized on mainstream levels, more awareness about the neurodevelopmental condition makes it easier to understand. A major misconception Tavia says about autism is the belief people with autism aren’t smart.

“Hunter loves numbers and math and literally score better than most kids his age. On his 3rd grade State Math exam, he was 4 points away from a perfect score. Also, early intervention is important for kids especially those not high on the spectrum. Don’t ignore the signs. Get your child tested.”

It’s important to teach tolerance and understanding at a young age so child can develop interpersonal skills with all types of children. 

“Hunter loves numbers and math and literally score better than most kids his age. On his 3rd grade State Math exam, he was 4 points away from a perfect score. Also, early intervention is important for kids especially those not high on the spectrum. Don’t ignore the signs. Get your child tested.”

It’s important to teach tolerance and understanding at a young age so child can develop interpersonal skills with all types of children. 

“Parents can teach their children about other children with autism by first fostering an open and respectful environment where differences are embraced. Start by explaining what autism is in simple terms, focusing on how it might affect someone’s behavior or communication but emphasizing that every person, regardless of differences, deserves kindness and respect. Use real-life examples, stories, or videos featuring children with autism to help illustrate how individuals may experience the world differently. Encourage empathy by talking about how it might feel to face challenges in communication or social situations. Teach inclusive behaviors, such as patience and understanding, and explain how their peers with autism may need extra support or space at times. Lastly, encourage your child to ask questions and show curiosity, reinforcing the value of kindness and acceptance toward everyone, no matter their abilities.”

“Parents can teach their children about other children with autism by first fostering an open and respectful environment where differences are embraced. Start by explaining what autism is in simple terms, focusing on how it might affect someone’s behavior or communication but emphasizing that every person, regardless of differences, deserves kindness and respect. Use real-life examples, stories, or videos featuring children with autism to help illustrate how individuals may experience the world differently. Encourage empathy by talking about how it might feel to face challenges in communication or social situations. Teach inclusive behaviors, such as patience and understanding, and explain how their peers with autism may need extra support or space at times. Lastly, encourage your child to ask questions and show curiosity, reinforcing the value of kindness and acceptance toward everyone, no matter their abilities.”

For a while, autism was once thought to be a condition for white children. Meanwhile, Black children who didn’t fit in or behave the way others expected them to would be labeled as bad, problematic, or disobedient. However, a lot has changed since the first autistic diagnosis in  1943. Now, thanks to expanded research and broader definition under The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), one in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.  Additionally, more Black and Hispanic children are receiving autism screening partially due to a better understanding of the diagnosis.

Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that Black families are less likely to have access to resources and therapies meant to help manage autism. The same applies to books. Experts suggest introducing an autism diagnosis with children through books can help teach children to navigate social situations, advocate for their needs, feel empowered and express themselves.

It’s rare to find a book that addresses empowerment, social skills and better understanding of autism for Black children or written by Black authors. Read on to discover books covering life with autism that Black children can connect with. 

Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that Black families are less likely to have access to resources and therapies meant to help manage autism. The same applies to books. Experts suggest introducing an autism diagnosis with children through books can help teach children to navigate social situations, advocate for their needs, feel empowered and express themselves.

It’s rare to find a book that addresses empowerment, social skills and better understanding of autism for Black children or written by Black authors. Read on to discover books covering life with autism that Black children can connect with. 

1. The Art of Autism

The Art of Autism is a one-of-a-kind book that allows you to go from reading about autism to doing something about it on your own terms. The book was written and illustrated by a Black homeschool family and features several activities, affirmations, and guided information to foster and affirm autism acceptance 

1. The Art of Autism

The Art of Autism is a one-of-a-kind book that allows you to go from reading about autism to doing something about it on your own terms. The book was written and illustrated by a Black homeschool family and features several activities, affirmations, and guided information to foster and affirm autism acceptance 

2. Same but different: Teen life on Autism Express

It can be troubling navigating social expectations while managing autism with increased age. Parents often share their concerns about the lack of help for autistic children once they are past elementary age. Same but different: Teen Life on the Autism Express, explores it all and how it applies to dating, parties, hormones and other parts of development. Written by Holly Robinson Peete and her children, readers may be able to see themselves in the experiences as the family documents their journey.

2. Same but different: Teen life on Autism Express

It can be troubling navigating social expectations while managing autism with increased age. Parents often share their concerns about the lack of help for autistic children once they are past elementary age. Same but different: Teen Life on the Autism Express, explores it all and how it applies to dating, parties, hormones and other parts of development. Written by Holly Robinson Peete and her children, readers may be able to see themselves in the experiences as the family documents their journey.

3. Since We’re Friends: an Autism Picture Book

Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book is a go-to book teaching kids how to be a friend to those who process the world differently. It’s written from the perspective of a non-autistic child and how he’s learned to navigate their differences while having fun together. 
Though the book is not written by a Black author, parents, and children, the illustrations of a Black autistic child are a nice addition. Autistic and non-autistic children will appreciate an example of exercising acceptance through friendship. 

3. Since We’re Friends: an Autism Picture Book

Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book is a go-to book teaching kids how to be a friend to those who process the world differently. It’s written from the perspective of a non-autistic child and how he’s learned to navigate their differences while having fun together. 
Though the book is not written by a Black author, parents, and children, the illustrations of a Black autistic child are a nice addition. Autistic and non-autistic children will appreciate an example of exercising acceptance through friendship. 

4.  The Adventures of Li Li – A Miracle at Bates Memorial

A Miracle at Bates Memorial covers a little girl’s experience with her symptoms of autism; especially when it comes to sensory overload. Together parents and children can learn about sensory issues and how to discuss them with friends and family. This book is the first of a series covering the varying types of sensory issues.

4.  The Adventures of Li Li – A Miracle at Bates Memorial

A Miracle at Bates Memorial covers a little girl’s experience with her symptoms of autism; especially when it comes to sensory overload. Together parents and children can learn about sensory issues and how to discuss them with friends and family. This book is the first of a series covering the varying types of sensory issues.

5. A Day with No Words

The New York Times Bestseller, A Day With No Words, follows the day-to-day life of a nonverbal child and his mother. With the help of facial expressions, body language recognition, and a tablet the book highlights that there is more than one way to speak. Each page features noteworthy illustrations that truly engage young minds.

5. A Day with No Words

The New York Times Bestseller, A Day With No Words, follows the day-to-day life of a nonverbal child and his mother. With the help of facial expressions, body language recognition, and a tablet the book highlights that there is more than one way to speak. Each page features noteworthy illustrations that truly engage young minds.