Silence Speaks

Silence Speaks narrates an undying commitment from a mother when her first-born son is diagnosed with autism. On receiving this news, the author does everything in her power to find the answers she is seeking.

The baffling quest begins as she narrates her story through fifty-five paintings explained in pure and heartfelt poetic verse. She invites the viewer to step into her space to feel her unimaginable grief, abandonment and sorrow, but she steers her path through hope to find ways to cope with her limitless challenges.

As she immerses herself in her son’s needs, she successfully challenges the system and later opts to do it all herself. There are highs and lows, continuous struggles and a desperate yearning to do all that is required for her son. She moves beyond her human capacity as she looks for meaning in the questions she is seeking answers to, and ultimately her dreams are shattered.

After giving twenty-four years of her life to caring, the result is devastating. Her aim is to educate others, create awareness of those affected by autism and of the impact on families and carers, and foster acceptance of those coping in silence.