Raising a child with disability: Dr Foyabo shares journey in new book, Mission Beyond Diagnosis.

She said the book is not just a literary work but a culmination of 21 years of navigating life as a mother raising child with autism. 

“When you go through something; pain, strain, you turn it into purpose.  For 21 years, I lived through things many people did not see. I looked around and realised no one was talking about it, so I decided to write,” she said. 

Dr Foyabo recounted the emotional toll of her child’s diagnosis, describing the early stage as a period of despair and spiritual doubt before finding strength through faith and determination.

“I was broken. But I allowed God to use me. My faith carried me through, and perseverance sustained me,” she admitted. 

Dr Foyabo harped on the importance of resilience, an idea she hopes readers will carry beyond the pages of the book and encourage families facing similar challenges to speak openly about their struggles and reject stigma.

In the Cameroonian context, she noted, mothers often bear the brunt of blame when a child is diagnosed with a disability, sometimes leading to abandonment by partners. 

Such situations, she explained, places immense emotional, mental and financial strain on families.

“Disability changes the dynamics of a relationship. If couples are not on the same page, it becomes difficult to care for the child. Faith is important, but it must go hand in hand with wisdom, preparation and proper treatment,” she said. 

She recommended early intervention and planning, urging parents not to delay seeking help. Dr Foyabo highlighted the value of financial foresight, even in modest circumstances.

“Preparation is critical. You don’t wait until a need arises before you act,” she noted, comparing it to traditional practices where families saved gradually to meet future obligations.

Enter book reviewer 

In her review of the book, Prof Tembe Estella Epse Fokunang underscored the urgent need for improved diagnosis and public education. 

“Many families have children with special needs but do not understand what is happening. Some seek diagnosis but remain in denial, which makes it difficult to manage the condition,” she said. 

Prof Tembe stressed that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a result of supernatural causes or parental actions, a misconception still very present in some communities. 

She said early signs such as delayed speech, social withdrawal and behavioural challenges should prompt medical consultation.

“Autism has nothing to do with witchcraft or anything the mother did. It is a condition that requires understanding and proper management,” she stated.

Among the dignitaries present at the launch was the Director General of Customs Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, who commended both the author and the public for their engagement with the subject.

“This is the first time I am attending a book launch in Yaounde where all the seats are occupied. It shows how important and relevant this topic is,” he observed. 

Fongod praised Dr Foyabo’s courage in sharing her story and called on families and communities to support children living with disabilities rather than abandon them.

“Taking care of children with special needs is not easy. But it is a responsibility we must embrace. The community also has a role to play in supporting these families,” he said. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3755 of Thursday April 09, 2026