African-American woman Ayanna Davis, described as “phenomenally autistic,” recently released her thirty-first picture book illustration.
Ayanna is an advocate for autism and an award-winning artist who advocates for black autistic people to be recognized, educated, and given access to resources that will enhance their quality of life as autistic people through her books and other projects.
She organized her first art exhibition and sold her first painting when she was just seven. Davis has discovered a way to express herself through art when she feels like the obstacles caused by autism are insurmountable.
Ayanna is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and self-love, despite having five autoimmune diseases and experiencing over 300 seizures.
The narrative in her most recent book, I’m Autistic and I’m Phenomenal, explores the challenges and rewards of having autism. The perspective of a black girl guides the reader through the process of comprehending and accepting the condition.
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The advocacy, artwork, and illustrations of Ayanna demonstrate the importance of representation for all young people.
Her respectful portrayals and narratives of black girlhood with autism aim to foster self-acceptance and self-assurance in achieving their goals. They are capable of anything, and their skin tone and hair are stunning!
Ayanna has created characters with vitiligo, albinism, limb differences, and other conditions aside those with autism.
In Westchester County, New York, her outstanding work was honored with a proclamation designating April 26 as “Ayanna’s Day.”
Ayanna received her second proclamation from the first black woman mayor of her hometown making her the first black woman with autism to be awarded this esteemed title.
“I always sensed my differences but lacked understanding. I was frequently thought of as the “weird, awkward black girl,” but in actuality, anxiety and overstimulation were the root of my problems. Nobody ever assumed that I was a black girl with autism; that was never the face of autism. My mind was not designed for the world I was living in,” remarked Ayanna.
“People try to change us, but they often don’t realize that it would be easier to just give us a little space to be ourselves. If you give people an opportunity, it can be a very beautiful thing. I am not strange; I am an autistic person, and that is perfectly acceptable. Regarding how they treat those who are different, people are living in denial. I want visitors to my pages to be drawn in by the artwork and perhaps stay for some advocacy,” she added.
