What is the 'supermoms' group and who is it for?

The 'supermoms' group is a support network for Black mothers in Canada whose children have autism, offering a community for shared experiences and advice.

What challenges do Black mothers face regarding autism in Canada?

Many Black mothers face cultural stigma, shame, and societal misconceptions that can lead them to hide their children's autism diagnoses.

How does the 'supermoms' group provide support?

The group offers a non-judgmental space for conversation, advice, sharing resources for navigating Canadian systems, and emotional encouragement.

Home / Lifestyle / Black Moms Find Solace in Autism Support Group

Black Moms Find Solace in Autism Support Group

2 Feb

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Summary

A support group called 'supermoms' connects Black mothers of children with autism.
The group helps combat stigma and cultural shame surrounding autism diagnoses.
It offers a safe space for advice, resources, and emotional support.

In Canada, a growing support network known as 'supermoms' offers a lifeline to Black mothers raising children with autism. Many of these mothers, predominantly from Nigeria, grapple with deeply ingrained cultural beliefs that associate autism with curses or punishment, leading to shame and a desire to conceal their child's diagnosis. This stigma was a significant hurdle for founder Adenike Adesina, who arrived in Canada in 2018 hoping for better support for her son, Mogboluwaga.

Initially, mothers like Chinyere Ubani and Titilope Kazeem-Oshinubi experienced isolation and struggled to find understanding for their children's needs within their communities. Ubani found immense relief in connecting with other Black mothers, while Kazeem-Oshinubi, whose daughter Erife was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, found a crucial non-judgmental space in the 'supermoms' group.

What began as a contact list in 2023 has blossomed into a vibrant WhatsApp community of over 60 women. They exchange encouraging messages, share practical resources for navigating Canadian systems, and offer each other invaluable emotional support. The group actively works to dismantle the stigma associated with autism, celebrating the journey of raising children with special needs and fostering pride among mothers.