Mission Statement
At Autism Destigma, we are dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding autism through education, empowerment, and community support. We strive to create a world where individuals with autism are celebrated, understood, and given the tools to thrive—free from fear, judgment, or exclusion.
Our Vision for the Future
Imagine a world where individuals with autism thrive without fear of stigmatization, where they are empowered to chase their dreams and reach their full potential. At Autism Destigma, we are committed to turning this vision into reality. Join us in our mission to eliminate autism stigma and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society—both in Africa and around the world.
The History and Story behind Autism Destigma
Joyce Larbi (Yaa Sika) - Founder & Advocate
Joyce Larbi, affectionately known as Yaa Sika, is a Ghanaian immigrant, a devoted mother, and a passionate advocate for autism awareness. Her journey into advocacy began with a deeply personal experience—her son’s diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 24 months old.
Before the diagnosis, Joyce noticed signs that something was different about her son. He struggled to make eye contact, didn’t babble, exhibited hyperactive behavior, had difficulty eating, and did not respond to his name. Despite her four years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, Joyce found it challenging to accept her son’s diagnosis. The emotional weight of the situation was compounded by the cultural stigmas surrounding autism within the African community.
A pivotal moment came when a friend and former colleague visited Joyce’s home. Observing her son’s behavior, the friend urged her to seek a professional assessment, saying, “Joyce, what are you doing? You need to seek help for your son. With all your experience, you can see he’s showing signs of autism, but it seems like you’re in denial.” Joyce broke down in tears but found strength in her friend’s support. Together, they took the first steps toward seeking help for her son.
The stigma surrounding autism in the African community weighed heavily on Joyce. She often asked herself how her community would perceive and accept her and her son. Before she could fully process the diagnosis, a neighbor had already made comments suggesting something was “off” about her child. These moments left Joyce battling sleepless nights and grappling with the fear of judgment. However, instead of giving in to fear, Joyce embarked on a tireless quest for answers, scouring the internet for resources and solutions to support her son’s unique needs.
During one of her late-night searches, Joyce discovered information about stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for autism. Intrigued, she researched further and learned that India was one of the few places offering this treatment for children with ASD. After carefully reviewing testimonials and consulting with experts, Joyce and her family decided to pursue the treatment in India.
In June 2022, Joyce and her son embarked on a life-changing journey to India, traveling 17 hours from the United States. Leaving behind her husband and three other children, Joyce took this leap of faith for her son, determined to give him the best possible future. Despite the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar country, Joyce’s resolve never wavered.
While pursuing stem cell therapy in India, Joyce also utilized all available resources in the U.S., including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and other interventions. Through her unwavering dedication, her son has made remarkable progress. Today, he is thriving, exhibiting no signs or symptoms of autism and behaving like a typical five-year-old.
Joyce’s personal experience with stigma and her son’s journey inspired her to become a fierce advocate for autism awareness within the African community. She realized that many parents were facing similar struggles but felt too ashamed to speak openly about their children’s conditions. Through her advocacy, Joyce has empowered these parents to break their silence and seek support.
Joyce has taken her mission to radio stations, sharing her story and reassuring parents that they are not alone. Many parents have reached out to her, confiding in her about their children’s challenges. Joyce guides them in accessing resources and navigating a path forward.
Shockingly, Joyce discovered that some parents in the African community attributed their children’s struggles to spiritual causes rather than recognizing autism. Determined to change this narrative, she began organizing seminars and inviting experts to educate the community about autism. Her goal is to dispel myths and ensure families receive the right information and support.
Through Autism Destigma, Joyce has partnered with Inclusive Horizon Foundation in Ghana to expand her advocacy and provide education, therapy, and community support for autistic children and their families. Together, they are reshaping how autism is perceived within the African community and creating a world where every child, regardless of their diagnosis, is given the opportunity to thrive.
Today, Joyce continues to use her voice and platform to advocate for autistic children and their families. Through Autism Destigma, she is creating a safe space for families affected by autism, ensuring that no child is denied opportunities due to stigma. Joyce’s unwavering commitment is making a profound impact, helping to reshape how autism is understood and accepted within the African community and beyond.
From Personal Struggle to Global Advocacy
2019–2021: A Mother’s Journey
Autism Destigma’s story begins with its founder, Joyce Larbi (Yaa Sika), a Ghanaian immigrant and mother whose life changed when her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 24 months old. Despite her professional experience working with autistic children, Joyce struggled to accept her son’s diagnosis due to cultural stigma within the African community. She faced judgment from neighbors and isolation, but her determination to find answers led her to explore therapies worldwide—including a groundbreaking stem cell treatment in India in June 2022.
2022: A Leap of Faith
In 2022, Joyce and her son traveled to India for stem cell therapy, a decision born out of relentless research and hope. Alongside this treatment, she utilized U.S.-based interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Her son’s remarkable progress—now thriving as a typical five-year-old—inspired Joyce to turn her pain into purpose.
2023: Founding Autism Destigma
Motivated by her own battles with stigma and isolation, Joyce founded Autism Destigma to address the pervasive myths and misconceptions about autism in African communities. She recognized that many parents faced similar struggles but remained silent due to shame or spiritual misinterpretations of autism.
Early Initiatives
Radio Advocacy: Joyce began speaking openly on radio programs, sharing her story and urging parents to seek help.
Community Workshops: She organized seminars with experts to educate families about autism, replacing fear with facts.
Parent Support Networks: Joyce created safe spaces for parents to connect, share experiences, and access resources.
2024: Expanding Impact Through Partnership
To amplify her mission, Autism Destigma partnered with Inclusive Horizon Foundation, a Ghana-based organization dedicated to autism support. This collaboration bridged gaps in education, therapy access, and stigma reduction across Africa and the diaspora. Together, they launched programs to:
Train communities and schools on autism inclusion.
Provide free resources and therapy for underserved families.
Advocate for policy changes to protect the rights of autistic individuals.
2024–Present: A Growing Movement
Today, Autism Destigma is a beacon of hope for families worldwide. Joyce’s advocacy has empowered countless parents to embrace their children’s diagnoses and seek support. The organization continues to:
Host annual awareness campaigns and fundraising events.
Collaborate with global experts to advance autism research.
Challenge cultural narratives through storytelling and media outreach.
Our Vision for the Future
Autism Destigma envisions a world where autism is met with understanding, not stigma. We’re committed to expanding our reach, fostering inclusive communities, and ensuring every child—regardless of location or background—has the opportunity to thrive.