Edition #6: Autism – Breaking Barriers Through Stories
A comparison of “Special” the Nigerian film released on 17th January 2025 on YouTube. (Written by Promise Ofejiro Ojakorotu) and my book Autistic: Leaping Over Walls While Living with Autism – by Elsie Rogers
Until recently, autism was not widely understood or represented in mainstream media, due to its complex and varying levels of severity and characteristics, so filmmakers find it difficult to portray it accurately. I was excited to see a movie on Autism, especially from an African context and amazing to see the YouTube views were up to 1 million in 2 days. I also had the privilege to connect with the screenwriter. We spent hours talking about her reasons for exploring this topic: to expose the shame associated with autism and other learning disabilities and the difficulties families face.
Stories have a profound power to educate, inspire, and transform perspectives. The Nigerian film Special, released in January 2025, and my book Autistic: Leaping Over Walls Whilst Living with Autism both illuminate the lives of autistic individuals and their families, exploring themes of advocacy, inclusion, and resilience. Despite their differences in medium and cultural context, these works share a mission: to challenge societal stigma and emphasize the importance of acceptance and empowerment.
Shared Themes
Advocacy and Inclusion
Both highlight the need for societal understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. Special weaves a fictional narrative that portrays the struggles and triumphs of raising special needs children in Nigeria. Similarly, Autistic offers a raw and personal account of Elsie Rogers’ journey raising her autistic son, Joshua, alongside his non-autistic brother, Christian.
In both stories, family plays a central role. The narratives show how parents and siblings become pillars of support and advocates for change, challenging societal norms that often isolate or marginalize autistic individuals.
Sibling Advocacy – A Unique Perspective
One of the most striking aspects of Autism is the attention it gives to Christian, Joshua’s non-autistic brother. Christian is not just a sibling; he is a champion for his brother, embodying the power of advocacy within families. This unique dynamic is less explicitly explored in Special, but both works underscore the importance of love and solidarity in overcoming obstacles.
Visibility as a Tool for Empowerment
Elsie Rogers’ refusal to hide her son Joshua is a key differentiator in Autistic. Through modelling opportunities, holidays, and community engagement, Elsie creates a world where Joshua’s abilities and personality can shine. In contrast, Special focuses more broadly on families striving for inclusion within a cultural setting that often silences discussions about autism. Both approaches emphasize that visibility—whether on the big screen or in real life—is a powerful tool for dismantling stigma.
Cultural Context – Africa and Beyond
While Special is firmly rooted in Nigerian culture, exploring local attitudes and challenges around neurodiversity, Autistic provides a blend of African and Western perspectives. Elsie Rogers’ experiences in the UK highlight the dual challenges faced by families navigating autism within minority communities, providing a unique lens that contrasts with the singular cultural setting of Special.
Conclusion
‘Special’ and Autistic: Leaping Over Walls While Living with Autism are both powerful in their own right. Through fiction and non-fiction, they amplify the voices of neurodiverse individuals and their families, breaking down barriers and fostering empathy. Together, these works remind us that inclusion is not just an aspiration but a shared responsibility. Their messages resonate universally: every child deserves a chance to thrive, and every family deserves the tools to support them. By embracing these stories, we take one step closer to a world where neurodiversity is celebrated rather than misunderstood.
Listen to my video below on why I wrote my best-selling book (Autistic: Leaping Over Walls Whilst Living with Autism) which you can buy on Amazon.
