A Place for Fikile is a children’s book about autism written by Pauline Elizabeth and illustrated by Sinzore Majani. It is a celebration of neurodiversity and a call for inclusivity and acceptance.
It tells the story of Fikile, a young boy with autism who finds solace in the company of his dog. Despite the support of his parents, he encounters stigma and a school system that fails to meet his needs. Over time, with the encouragement of his family and community, Fikile begins to embrace his strengths, and those around him learn to value inclusion and diversity.
The book uses simple language to explain the complex and under-discussed condition in everyday settings. It is also brought to life with stunning, colourful illustrations that will captivate and entertain young readers.
The author is a mother to two sons, one of whom has autism and the other is neurotypical. She felt the need to improve understanding of autism among neurotypical people.
“My children guided me in the story writing. I asked them what they know about autism and borrowed from their experiences,” Pauline says.
One of the biggest challenges she faced was finding a school for her son with autism. A lack of information about his condition meant that schools were reluctant to enrol him, but she finally found one that was suitable. Now, Pauline visits schools with her book to raise awareness among pupils.
She has noticed that the book’s target audience, children in Grades 3 to 6, quickly grasp the information. The examples she explored in the book were relatable to them.
“I used general symptoms of autism. The children could see their peers around them who were different, but they didn’t know what to do. It serves the book’s purpose, as it is for the neurotypical children in our journey for inclusion and acceptance,” she says.
The author, a therapist at Marley Therapy Centre, aimed to make her book a conversation starter on the unique experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and inclusion. She also wanted to advocate for early intervention for autism.
In 2007, the Autism Society of Kenya reported that 4 per cent of Kenyan children may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, equating to one child in every 25. Signs include difficulty concentrating and interacting socially, delayed language and motor skills and delayed cognitive development.