Director Choi Soo-ah was an ordinary mother.
But his life changed completely when his second child began to show signs of autism, such as being late in speaking and not making eye contact.
Despite being diagnosed with autism at a hospital, facing indifference from society, and facing conflict with family, the author does not give up and fights alongside his child, helping him grow.
The title of the book, “There is no autism in Africa,” is somewhat provocative.
However, this is the author's problem awareness that stems from the question, "Isn't the very perspective on autism confined within a Western-centric framework?"
The author emphasizes that autism should not be viewed simply as a “disease to be overcome,” but rather as “another window through which to view the world.”
This book calmly addresses the numerous misunderstandings and prejudices surrounding autism, as well as the anxiety of parents who rely solely on the word "curable."
In particular, it strongly conveys the message that “the child changes only when the mother changes” that the core of autism treatment is ultimately a change in the parents’ attitude and consistent practice.
Author Choi Soo-ah runs an autism treatment center and meets countless parents and children.
He said, “Autism is not something that gets better miraculously, but rather a change that is created through daily repetition and effort,” and added, “I hope this book can be a small window of hope for all parents raising children with autism.”