Amplifying Voices: One Mother’s Mission to Change the Narrative on Autism in Black Communities

When Toni Morrison famously said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” Michele Lamons-Raiford took it personally—and literally.

Inspired by her journey as a mother of a Black son with autism, the veteran educator, writer, and advocate, Michelle Lamons-Raiford, created Amplify Our Voices, a storytelling initiative rooted in the power of representation, empathy, and community. For Lamons-Raiford, this mission goes far beyond the pages of a book—it’s a full-on movement to dismantle stigma, center authentic narratives, and give neurodivergent Black children the spotlight they deserve.

“I realized I couldn’t wait for someone else to tell our story,” Lamons-Raiford says. “As a Black mother, educator, and advocate, I knew that our voices, especially the voices of our children, mattered. And I wanted to create something that reflected them—not just for my son, but for families like ours across the country.”

Representation That Matters

With titles like He’s My Friend, That’s All and Change is OK, Sometimes, Lamons-Raiford crafts stories rooted in her son’s real-life experiences—moments of friendship, challenges in the classroom, and the quiet victories of being seen for who you truly are. These children’s books are not only tender reflections of her son’s world, but powerful tools for inclusion and awareness.

For too long, Black boys with autism have been left out of the narrative. “Children’s literature rarely includes characters who look like my son, let alone who experience the world the way he does,” she explains. “I want these books to be mirrors for kids like him and windows for others to understand them better.”

And the impact has been immediate. Parents, teachers, and even students have reached out to Lamons-Raiford, sharing how her books have helped open up conversations in homes and classrooms. One reader wrote, “I was looking for a book to help explain autism to my sons. It’s perfect—a beautiful story about befriending others regardless of differences.”

From Books to a Movement

But Amplify Our Voices doesn’t stop at publishing. It’s also a platform where educators, parents, and advocates share their own stories—often for the first time. “I’ve heard from so many Black and Brown parents who, like me, were searching for stories that reflect their children. I tell them, write those stories. Your voice matters,” Lamons-Raiford says.

By encouraging others to step into their own storytelling power, she’s building a community where experiences are validated, truths are shared, and silence is broken—especially around topics like mental health and neurodiversity that are often still taboo in communities of color.

“Stigma thrives in silence,” she says. “But when we tell our stories, we make space for healing, understanding, and advocacy.”

Reimagining Education for All

With over two decades of experience in education, Lamons-Raiford knows firsthand how schools can either uplift or marginalize neurodivergent students—especially those who are also navigating racial bias.

She stresses the need for educator training that’s both culturally responsive and inclusive of neurodiversity. Just as importantly, she champions parent engagement. “Parents are the experts on their kids. We need to bring them to the table, especially when it comes to things like IEPs. They should feel informed and empowered every step of the way.”

Her call to action is clear: Equity in education can’t exist without inclusion.

Advice for the Journey

For parents who may feel isolated or unsure of how to support their neurodivergent children, Lamons-Raiford has heartfelt advice: “Start by learning. Research. Ask questions. Find your community. You are not alone.”

She encourages families to use social media and online communities to find others walking a similar path. “You’d be surprised how many of us are out there. Once you connect, it changes everything.”

What’s Next?

Lamons-Raiford’s vision for Amplify Our Voices is only growing. She’s currently working on a companion book to her anthology The Education Pandemic, and she’s preparing to take her message on the road through author visits, speaking engagements, webinars, and professional development for educators.

“I want to keep writing, keep speaking, and keep showing up,” she says. “This is about more than my son. It’s about all the kids who haven’t seen themselves in books, in classrooms, or in conversations. It’s time we amplify their voices.”