BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS/ONTARIO, CANADA – Tammesha Cox, a Barbadian native now residing in Ontario, Canada, is channeling her personal experiences as a mother of a child with autism into a powerful message of awareness and inclusion. As World Autism Day approaches this April 2nd, the author of “Autism Through Isabelle’s Eyes” is sharing her family’s journey to highlight the importance of understanding and celebrating neurodiversity.
Cox, who lived in Christ Church, Barbados, before relocating to Canada four years ago, always envisioned a family of four. That dream became a reality with her daughter, Dominique, and son, Malachi, born in February 2019. However, after Malachi’s first birthday, Cox noticed developmental delays. Despite initial reassurances, her maternal instincts prompted her to seek an assessment, which confirmed her two-year-old son was non-verbal and diagnosed with autism.
“As a mom to a vibrant 6-year-old with autism, it’s important for me to highlight him as an individual who deserves to be seen and heard,” Cox stated passionately. “I want to continue being his voice, as well as my daughter’s, and to share our experiences as a family navigating life with someone on the spectrum. Representation matters.”
Her journey of understanding and advocacy led her to write “Autism Through Isabelle’s Eyes,” published in March 2024. The book, a project fueled by love and a desire to educate, tells the story through the eyes of her neurotypical daughter, Isabelle, as she navigates her interactions with her brother, Miguel (based on Malachi), who prefers solitary play.
“One day, while I was in the kitchen, Dominique came to me and asked, ‘Why doesn’t my brother want to play with me?’” Cox recounted, highlighting the emotional core of her book. “That moment was heartbreaking. My greatest hope had been for my children to grow up playing together.”
This poignant question sparked a poem, which eventually blossomed into her children’s picture book. “I truly believe that community plays a crucial role in navigating life’s challenges. Knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference, and having someone who truly understands your experiences provides comfort and strength,” Cox emphasized.
The book gently guides children and siblings in understanding autism, exploring instances where Miguel engages in self-soothing “stimming” behaviors and Isabelle’s efforts to connect with him through shared activities. Cox hopes the book will foster empathy and understanding among young readers. “I would love it to offer awareness to autism and inspires understanding and inclusion for those living on the autism spectrum,” she said. “And for children, both autistic and neurotypical, I hope it encourages kindness, acceptance, and a deeper appreciation for neurodiversity. I want readers — whether they are parents, educators, or children—to see autism not as a limitation but as a different way of seeing the world.”
Cox’s initial reaction to Malachi’s diagnosis was one of shock and uncertainty. “My reaction to my son’s diagnosis was most centered around shock and not knowing how to equip myself with a special needs kid,” she shared. However, she quickly became determined to learn and advocate for her son. “It quickly changed from shock and fear of the unknown to being determined to do whatever it takes to aid in his growth and development.”
She also credits her supportive family for their unwavering support. “I am very fortunate to have a husband and daughter who are very supportive,” she acknowledged. Shout out to my daughter, who has a level of patience and maturity that I cannot explain. She really gets through to Malachi, and they have a special bond.”
This year’s theme for World Autism Day, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” resonates deeply with Cox’s mission. “My message stems around promotion of neurodiversity, inclusion and acceptance. I hope that my book – which promotes all 3 of these aspects of this, bring awareness and help autism be more understood,” she stated.
“Autism Through Isabelle’s Eyes” has garnered positive feedback and even achieved success on Amazon, holding the #1 New Release spot for several months. It was also honored with the Golden Wizard Book Prize 2024, a testament to the power and impact of Cox’s storytelling. Through her book, Cox, a Barbadian living in Canada, contributes significantly to promoting autism awareness and fostering a more inclusive world.
