Our Afghan Autism Journey
Filled with acceptance and deep embracement, this Afghan family's story shows what it means to truly honor a child's autism reality and unique individuality. Their journey is a testament to love growing stronger than stigma and silence embedded in our Afghan communities.
Our autism journey with Roman has been rooted in openness, intention, and unconditional love from the very beginning. We noticed signs early, trusted our instincts, and sought intervention right away. We learned everything we could through books, appointments, research, and conversations. Because Roman deserved parents who showed up prepared and unafraid.
One thing we promised ourselves early on: we would never hide his autism. Not from family, not from friends, not from the world. Keeping it a secret would only serve others’ comfort, not Roman’s. His comfort will always come first.
So we shared openly, even with the family members who didn’t fully understand autism or who responded with, “bakhair jor mesha” or “ghatt si, joreejhi” Instead of feeling offended, we chose education. We explained, we guided, we encouraged questions, and that decision changed everything. By choosing to teach instead of retreat, we helped shift mindsets, one conversation at a time. And the difference has been profound.
We’ve always made Roman’s needs the centre of every environment he walks into. If he’s stimming, we explain why. If he needs space, we talk about what that means. If a situation is too loud, too unpredictable, or too overwhelming, we adjust, with no hesitation. And we include our family and friends in that process, every step of the way. They don’t just witness his world; they learn how to understand and support it.
And the most beautiful part? Children in our lives like cousins, nieces, nephews, friends’ kids, all ask questions. Why doesn’t Roman want to play right now? Why isn’t he speaking? Why does he need space? And we welcome every question with open dialogue. We want them to understand, not to guess. Their curiosity is a gift, and answering honestly has taught them so much about neurodiversity, empathy, patience, and acceptance.
Through those moments, they’ve grown more aware, more compassionate, and more inclusive, and not just with Roman, but with anyone who moves through the world differently.
By refusing to hide, by choosing education over silence, and by making Roman’s comfort non-negotiable, we’ve built the most incredible village around him. Family and friends who don’t just love him, but ones that truly understand him. They celebrate his wins, support his challenges, and embrace everything that makes him uniquely Roman.
And now, instead of walking this path alone, we’re walking it hand in hand with a community that celebrates him, advocates for him, and meets him exactly where he is. Roman’s journey has brought out the best in the people around him, and together, we’re creating a world where he can feel understood, accepted, and completely himself, inshAllah.
Wafa Roman - An Afghan Autism Parent
What an incredibly moving and inspirational story. Thank you for sharing your family’s autism journey with such honesty and courage. Your experience not only supports parents of autistic children, but also teaches parents of non-autistic children how to raise kids who welcome, include, and celebrate others. It’s a beautiful reminder that everyone matters.
Autism is truly beautiful. I don’t see it as a disability, but as a unique and extraordinary way of experiencing the world.
Such an important story to share loud and wide. Children like Roman are gifts from God and we need to cherish them. Roman is blessed to have so much love and care. He has taught my kids so much and will continue to do so.
We are so fortunate to have learned so much by being part of Roman’s world. Kudos to Roman’s parents and sister for embracing his unique gifts and for educating those around him so he can be understood, supported, and safe.
This is so beautifully written, Wafa. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. The love, strength, and intention you put into supporting Roman is so inspiring. Educating those around you takes courage, and it’s amazing to see how it has built such a strong, loving village around him. I am honoured to be a part of his journey. Roman is so lucky to have parents who advocate for him so fiercely, and we’re all lucky to learn from you. 💙
Your unconditional love and support for Roman, and your dedication to educating others about autism, especially within the Afghan community, are both pivotal and inspiring. It has been a blessing not only to witness the village surrounding Roman, but also to be a part of it. We are endlessly proud of him and unashamed of his autism, as it contributes to his magnificence. Families like yours encourage society to drop the stigma and truly appreciate the complex and wonderful world of autism.
Inspirational story, beautiful family and the most special boy.
We are blessed and grateful to be on this journey with you all.
This was such a beautiful and important read. it means so much to see you speak so openly and compassionately about autism within our Afghan community, where these conversations are often avoided or misunderstood. Your honesty, love, and compassion are helping break down stigma and create space for real understanding. Thank you for using your voice to educate and empower others. So proud of you all. Roman is one of the most incredible kids I’ve ever met. Anyone (including me) should be more than grateful to be apart of his world.