Autism book aims to be “life changing” for Pasifika communities

An “eye-opening” book raises understanding of autism in Pasifika cultures during Autism Awareness Month.

Vāsifika: Our Autism Journeys shares multigenerational stories and experiences of different families from the Pasifika Autism Community Group.

Publisher Dahlia Malaeulu says the project has been close to her heart as a mother and educator with a passion to increase support and understanding of autism.

“There are still huge cultural stigmas across our Pasifika communities that are connected to autism and many other ‘invisible’ conditions, which calls for further education, especially for our families, around the causes, effects, strategies & tools,” says Malaeulu.

1-2 per cent of New Zealand’s population have autism and fewer Pasifika people have autism compared to other demographics, according to a University of Otago study.

Contributing author Melanie Su’a says the book is important to destigmatise stereotypes and negative connotations of neurodivergent traits which are commonly assumed as being “naughty” in Pasifika cultures.

Su’a says she wishes she had a resource like this available prior to her son’s diagnosis, as her own knowledge and experience with autism was close to none.

“I remember very clearly how overwhelming and scary it is when you first get that diagnosis and what happens. So, I guess just the opportunity to try and shed some light on what our experience was and letting people know at the beginning of that journey that it is going to be okay.”

Reading the stories of other parents’ experiences raising autistic children was relatable and resonated, making her feel like she wasn’t alone, Su’a says.

Despite this, the book is not only for people who have children with autism but for anybody to learn.

“I think reading this book definitely has the ability to change people’s perspectives,” Su’a says.

The book is hoped to be released in different languages to reach older generations across the Pacific in the future.