Chinyere Ubani shared her emotional journey of finding support for her 13-year-old son, Ugochukw, who has autism. After facing bullying and emotional struggles at school post their move from Nigeria to Canada, Ubani found it challenging to access the necessary support. Despite attending events with other mothers of autistic children, she initially kept her struggles to herself. However, a turning point came when an event organizer noticed her distress and offered a listening ear, leading Ubani to finally open up about her pent-up emotions.
Ubani found solace and kinship in a group called the “supermoms,” specifically tailored for Black mothers of children with special needs. She emphasized the importance of connecting with someone who shares a similar journey and background, making it easier to relate and find understanding.
The ‘supermoms’ group, spearheaded by Adenike Adesina, was born out of a similar need for support when Adesina and her family moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2018. Adesina encountered challenges in accessing timely autism resources for her son, Mogboluwaga, and observed a prevalent sense of shame among mothers within her community regarding their children’s disabilities.
Over time, the group evolved into a supportive community of over 60 women, primarily Nigerian mothers, who exchange advice, resources, and encouragement through a WhatsApp chat. Adesina’s dedication to helping Black parents embrace and celebrate their children with special needs has been pivotal in creating a safe space free of judgment and stigma.
For Titilope Kazeem-Oshinubi, joining the ‘supermoms’ group proved transformative after her daughter Erife was diagnosed with autism. The community provided Kazeem-Oshinubi with the support and understanding she needed, allowing her to navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism confidently. Despite societal stigmas, the group remains committed to breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance within the community.
