For Joshua, diagnosed with autism at an early age, expressing himself through words, has often been a challenge. But where speech falls short, his art rises bold, intricate and deeply personal.
Each stroke of Joshua’s fingers carries emotion. Each work reflects a perspective many struggle to understand yet cannot ignore.
From carefully detailed arts, Joshua’s work as a graphic designer is not just art it is his voice.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of 5, Joshua has grown into a fine gentleman in his 20’s making a difference.
Today, his works are beginning to attract attention beyond his immediate community although he expressed concern that some clients sometimes walk away, doubting his skills.
For Joshua, however, it is not about recognition or fame. It is about expression finding freedom on a blank space.
‘‘The work has been a bit difficult for me these days. Someone will come, and when he sees my disability, most of them walk away. Please bring your work. When you come, dont look at the start, but focus on the finishing. Some aspect of me will say, Joshua, you can do it. There’s more room for improvement.’ Right now, I wish to have a marketer and a promoter who will market my work for me.’’ He said.
His mother recalls the early years, when uncertainty clouded their future. Today, she is proud about her son’s achievement but have some concerns.
‘‘It was tough from the beginning but I am forever grateful to his ICT teacher at JHS who identified the talent and told me to send him to IT school after JHS. Now business is down and I wish he will get someone to market his works. Even if he gets a job somewhere and he is being paid monthly, it will be good. That I will be at peace when I leave, that he is fine.’’ She said.
Antionette Wilkinson is another mother with an autistic child. Diagnosed with mild autism at age 3, she says she will give anything to see her son fully recovered from the spectrum and building on his strength.
‘‘It’s psychologically, emotionally, mentally and financially draining. But we are taught to keep faith and as a parent you know that you have to be there for the child to guide them.’’ She noted.
Stories like this are slowly changing the narrative and special needs educators would want society to see children on the spectrum as special.
Thara Brigitte Mills Simmonds is CEO, Mulan Neurodiversity School and Autism Advocate.
‘‘Autism is not a disease. They are just different and special. With the right care they get better. I mean imagine the joy in seeing a child having speech difficulty talking and being emotionally balanced. To me it’s a joy. So parents need to take their children to the right organizations for the right care. They should get their children checked. How do you seek help when you don’t know what the issue is’’? She noted.
As an advocate and an educator, she would want policy makers to do right by children with special needs.
‘The policies need to be relooked at. Not just infrastructure. The children need specialists trained to assist them. Most of the tutors don’t have training for special children’’. She said.
Autism, a developmental condition that affects communication and behavior, is increasingly gaining attention in Ghana and Health experts estimate that many children on the autism spectrum remain undiagnosed or unsupported, often due to stigma and limited awareness.
Its prevalence in Ghana may be higher than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 1 in 87 children under three are affected, with some studies reporting 38.7% of children under 14 facing ASD-related challenges.
As Joshua carefully adds the final touches to his latest work, there is a quiet determination in his eyes. A reminder that creativity is not defined by limitations, but by the courage to see the world differently. And in Joshua’s world, every color has meaning and every stroke tells a story.
By Sarah Apenkroh
