For Solape Azazi, the title of “autism mom” isn’t just a personal identity; it’s the engine behind a lifelong mission of advocacy. When her child was first diagnosed at three, she found herself navigating a world that often felt unequipped to see her son’s potential. Rather than settling for the status quo, she turned her personal hurdles into a public platform, bridging the gap between clinical diagnoses and the lived reality of neurodivergent families. Today, as the founder of CradleLounge Special Needs Initiative and a certified autism specialist, Azazi is a leading voice in autism awareness, inclusion and caregiver empowerment. In this conversation with Yinka Olatunbosun, she explains the delicate balance of caregiving and campaigning alongside the misconceptions facing the autism community today, and what it truly means to build a world where every individual can thrive.
Being an autism mom is very challenging. Aside from carer’s fatigue, what are some other things you have to deal with?
Beyond the physical exhaustion, it’s the emotional weight that really sits with you, the constant advocacy, the explaining, the worrying about the future. You’re not just parenting, you’re navigating systems that aren’t built for your child. There’s also the isolation that can creep in, especially when people don’t fully understand your reality. And then there’s the quiet grief not of who your child is, but of how the world responds to them.
Your son was diagnosed at three. Why is building a community for other autism parents worthwhile?
It is because no one should have to figure this out alone. When my son was diagnosed, I realised very quickly that information was scattered, support was limited, and a lot of parents were silently struggling. Community gives you shared knowledge, emotional support, and, honestly, sanity. It’s a space where you don’t have to over-explain your child or your choices. And beyond that, there’s power in numbers — when we come together, our voices are harder to ignore.
What milestones would you say your advocacy has achieved?
For me, it’s always been about impact over noise. We’ve created safe spaces for families, supported parents with resources and guidance, and used platforms such as art, storytelling, and public engagement to shift narratives about autism. Seeing more parents speak openly, seeing more awareness in conversations, those are real milestones. We’re not where we need to be yet, but we’ve definitely moved the needle.
Why do some autistic children regress, sometimes after milestones, and what can parents do?
Regression can occur for various reasons, such as changes in the environment, sensory overload, burnout, or even growth transitions. Autism isn’t linear, so progress doesn’t always look like a straight line. What’s important is not to panic or see it as failure. It’s usually a signal that the child needs support, adjustment, or simply time. Consistency, patience, and understanding your child’s triggers go a long way. And sometimes, it’s about meeting them where they are again, without pressure.
What advice would you share for people who have autistic children in their circle?
Lead with empathy, not assumptions. You don’t need to have all the answers, just be present, be kind, and be willing to learn. Offer support in practical ways, not just words. And most importantly, don’t judge what you don’t understand. Every child on the spectrum is different, and every family is doing the best they can.
Is the school system in Nigeria inclusive enough?
We’re making progress, but we’re not there yet. True inclusion goes beyond just admitting a child into a school; it’s about trained teachers, adapted learning methods, and a supportive environment. Right now, many parents still have to fight for that. Inclusion shouldn’t feel like a favour, it should be the standard.
What do you think of the misconception that autism affects only rich families?
Autism does not discriminate. What that misconception really reflects is access, access to diagnosis, therapy, and visibility. Families with fewer resources are often underdiagnosed or unsupported, which makes it seem like it’s a “certain class” issue. But the reality is, autism exists across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Why is raising an autistic child demanding and expensive?
It’s because support systems are limited. Therapy, specialised education, and interventions, most of these are privately funded. On top of that, you’re investing time, energy, and emotional resources constantly. It’s not just parenting, it’s coordinating care, advocating, learning, unlearning. It’s a full-time commitment in every sense.
Is it necessary for children to wear autism labels in public?
Not at all. Dignity always comes first. Some families choose identifiers for safety reasons, especially for non-verbal children, and that’s valid. But it should never be about making a child more “acceptable” to the public. Awareness should come from society doing better, not from children having to explain their existence.
How can the government support the autism community?
By moving from awareness to action. We need policies that ensure early diagnosis, subsidised therapy, inclusive education, and proper training for professionals. There also needs to be funding for support services and community programs. Families shouldn’t have to carry this alone. Real support means creating systems that work — not just conversations.
