Different Not Deficient: Raising a Black Son on the Spectrum.

On November 4th 2016 our world shifted. That was the day we learned that our son has autism. It was a diagnosis that in many ways gave language to behaviors and patterns we had not yet understood. What once felt confusing or isolating began to take on meaning and with that meaning came both grief and liberation.

It took me a while to speak this truth out loud. As a Black mother raising a Black son I knew the world would already see him through layers of bias and misunderstanding. Black boys and girls often carry so much simply by existing in their skin. Adding a diagnosis especially one that is so deeply misunderstood felt heavy at first. But with time reflection and love my husband and I made a conscious decision that we will not hide him in stigma. We will not allow fear or bias to define how the world sees our son or how he sees himself.

Instead we chose to embrace him fully in every way he shows up. Every stim every sparkle of curiosity every unique way he processes and connects with the world. Earlier this year Jackson my husband and I came together to create something deeply personal. A book that tells our story. It is a reflection of our family’s love our resilience and our belief that living neurodivergent in a neurotypical world is not something to survive but something to celebrate.

On November 25th 2025 Jackson’s birthday we will release our book Different Not Deficient: Raising a Black Son on the Spectrum. It feels sacred to share it on the day we celebrate his life his light and all that makes him beautifully himself. This book documents the joys and challenges we have faced as a family navigating autism through the lens of love advocacy and acceptance. This is just the beginning of Jackson’s story and we are honored to share it.

To every family walking a similar path you are not alone. There is beauty in difference power in vulnerability and healing in embracing your truth.