What began as a bright and cheerful childhood for “Baby Deborah” quickly turned into years of uncertainty after signs of autism were overlooked, leading to a delayed diagnosis that has left the now 18-year-old out of school and dependent on her mother for full-time care.
Despite early signs of developmental delays—including difficulty speaking, following instructions and engaging in basic classroom activities—her condition went undiagnosed until age eight. By then, schools had begun rejecting her due to limited support systems for children with special needs. Her mother, Madam Deborah Dzakpasu, said she was forced to quit her job to care for her daughter after exhausting efforts to find answers and support. “I had to choose between work and my child’s safety,” she said, calling for stronger government intervention for families raising children with autism.
Advocates and education experts say Baby Deborah’s story reflects a wider national crisis. Thara Brigitte Mills Simmonds of Mulan Neurodiversity School and officials from the Ministry of Education are urging early diagnosis, inclusive education and increased investment in specialist services. They warn that stigma, parental denial and weak support systems continue to prevent many children with autism from reaching their full potential.
