Community, Connection, and Autism Acceptance: A Memorable Moment at Wandsworth Fayre
During Autism Acceptance Month, I had the privilege of participating in the Wandsworth Fayre, an inspiring community event led by A2ndvoice, which brought together families, advocates, and allies to promote inclusion and understanding of autism.
A particularly special moment for me was meeting Cllr Sana Jafri, Mayor of Wandsworth, whose warmth and genuine interest deeply moved me. Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle: Mayor Jafri was once a pupil at Broad Water Primary School, where my mother was a teacher.
During the Fayre, I introduced Mayor Jafri to my book, “Autistic: Leaping Over Walls While Living with Autism”, which tells the personal journey of my son Joshua, the inspiration behind the book, and our family’s experience navigating life with autism. Mayor Jafri engaged in a meaningful conversation with Joshua and showed great interest in how the book addresses not only autism but also the often overlooked shame and stigma within ethnic minority communities
The Wandsworth Fayre highlighted what community support should look like: genuine listening, shared experiences, and breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive world.
I am grateful to A2ndvoice for creating these vital spaces and to Mayor Jafri for her compassion and commitment to supporting the voices of those often unheard.
As Autism Acceptance Month continues, let’s all remember the power of connection and the importance of continuing to advocate for understanding and acceptance in every community.
