I’m Autistic and I’m Phenomenal is a story that displays the challenges, but more importantly, the joys of autism through the eyes of a little autistic black girl. Readers will experience her journey as she navigates both the beauty of her unique perspective and her difficulties while shedding light on the power of acceptance and embracing differences.
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Author, Ayanna Davis: “I’m hoping readers will gain a better understanding of autism and dispense with the typical stereotypes society feds them. Like everything in life, it has a good and bad side.”
Ayanna wears many hats:
Ayanna the Artist – As an artist I create characters that represent positive images of black and brown characters. I support inclusion and diversity and create characters with vitiligo, albinism, persons in wheelchairs and characters with limb differences. Every child deserves to see positive images of themselves and others in their community.
Ayanna the Fashion Designer – My fashion is an extension of my art. My handmade and hand painted pieces are full of fun, vibrant colours, mixed with images of my original characters you will see in my books and original art pieces. I also make one of kind pieces by request to resemble the child it is being made for. The theme is the same as my art, which is the belief that every child has the right to see positive images of themselves.
Ayanna the Illustrator – To date, I have illustrated 29 books. Most can found on my Amazon author page. I have also illustrated four colouring books, all meant to inspire and uplift.
Ayanna the Author – as an author, my goal is to include as many communities as possible. One of my latest books teaches the alphabet in sign language and another through natural hair illustrations.
Common misconceptions:
A common misconception I encounter from my own personal experience is that black girls can’t be autistic. I am a late diagnosed autistic and when I started to share my diagnosis with people they all said they didn’t know black girls or women could be autistic. I now address this misconception by sharing my story and experience.
I thrive on routine. It is my safe space and comfort zone so being in an unfamiliar place—a hotel or even visiting family, that throws me off my routine which makes it challenging for me to focus and enjoy my day/s.
Self care:
A tolerable experience:
Community support:
Listen to us, open your hearts, know that we have feelings and while our brains were not wired to thrive in this world, we are here and trying our best to navigate it. With kindness and understanding, just leave a little space for us.