Exploring autism through a mother's love: Lisa Witten's 'My World, My Way'
At first glance, My World, My Way is a beautifully illustrated children’s book.
But within its gentle pages lies a powerful mission – one born from heartbreak, resilience, and an unwavering love of a mother determined to shift the narrative around autism.
Friends and family of first-time author Lisa Witten gathered at Erin Hall in Rondebosch to celebrate the official launch of her book My World, My Way on Sunday, September 28.
The mother of two never imagined she’d be writing a book that would serve as a bridge between misunderstood children and the world around them.
But her daughter Mila, now 8, had other plans.
Diagnosed with autism at just 18 months, Mila’s early years were filled with confusing meltdowns, unanswered questions, and a deafening silence from a society that often doesn’t understand what it cannot see.
“There were times she’d scream in public and other kids would run away from her,” Ms Witten recalls. “They didn’t understand. To them, she was just being naughty. But that wasn’t it. Not even close,” she said.
What followed was a journey – raw, emotional, and incredibly isolating. She admits that in those early days, after receiving Mila’s diagnosis, she questioned everything.
“I asked myself: ‘Was it me? Did I do something wrong?’
“But I learned quickly – it wasn’t about blame. It was about building a space where Mila could feel safe, understood, and celebrated for who she is,” she said, adding that it is exactly what My World, My Way sets out to do.
More than just a story, the book invites children and parents alike to see the world through the eyes of a child on the autism spectrum. Told in Mila’s voice, it gently explores the nuances of sensory sensitivity, emotional responses, and the importance of empathy.
Short chapters, thoughtful prompts, and simple language make the book easily digestible for young readers – yet impactful enough for adults to pause and reflect.
“It’s not a book about me,” Ms Witten emphasises. “It’s Mila’s perspective. It’s about how she experiences the world, not how the world interprets her,” she said.
Each chapter includes a discussion prompt, designed to open up conversations between parents and children around topics like inclusion, difference, and kindness.
“We spend so much time talking about reading and math at home,” Ms Witten said.
“Why not talk about empathy? Why not talk about how every brain is wired differently?”
Ms Witten’s journey to authorship was not an easy one. Mila, who has limited speech and continues speech therapy, began showing signs of distress around 10 months old.
“She would scream a lot. We thought she was just a difficult baby,” she recalls.
“We couldn’t even reverse the car without her having a meltdown. But my gut told me – this isn’t just ‘naughty’ behaviour.”
After rounds of testing, Ms Witten said, doctors confirmed what she had already suspected: Mila is autistic.
Since then, Ms Witten and her husband, Lance, have navigated the complex and often exhausting world of autism parenting.
“There are days you just want to relax. But your child is overwhelmed by the texture of their clothes, or the sound of a light buzzing, or the smell of food. You have to be fully present – even when you’re running on empty.”
And yet, through all the chaos and confusion, came clarity. Ms Witten is careful to note that My World, My Way isn’t meant to represent every autistic child.
“If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,” she says. “There are similarities, sure, but each journey is unique.”
She avoids using the word “normal,” preferring terms like “typical” or “common.”
“Normal implies that anything different is wrong. And that’s just not true,” she said.
“We need to shift the language. Our kids aren’t broken. They’re just different.”
For Ms Witten, writing the book wasn’t just a creative endeavour, it was an act of advocacy.
“I want Mila to grow up in a world that makes room for her. A world where she’s not laughed at or excluded. Where employers understand her, teachers embrace her, and kids don’t run away – but run toward her.”
She knows not everyone will get it.
“People will always have opinions, but I’m not here to convince everyone. I’m here to create a space where kids like Mila are seen, loved, and understood,” she said, adding that it is not just a book but a reminder that behind every label is a life.
The book retails for R190 – intentionally kept affordable so that more families, schools, and therapists can access it.
* Orders for the book can be placed by emailing booksaleorders@gmail.com