From the second Abdelrahman Elmowafy’s household acquired his prognosis, they didn’t see an issue, they noticed a function. He was recognized with Autism and his mom remembers it clearly, “It was a duty, one our entire household shared. Every of us had a task to play. From his father to his sister, everybody contributed to serving to him thrive.”
On the coronary heart of this help system is Shahd, Abdelrahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant extra than simply rising up collectively, it meant standing up for him. “I felt accountable to talk out,” she stated. “I didn’t need him to get bullied or misunderstood simply because individuals hadn’t been taught see him. My mother put that love in my coronary heart, and I grew up understanding I needed to defend and advocate for him.”
That nice limitless love advanced into motion. Shahd began elevating consciousness in her faculty, speaking to associates, academics, and anybody who would pay attention. Her objective was easy however profound, assist individuals see her brother for who he really was. Over time, her associates grew to become his associates. “I believe that’s the message, the way you deal with somebody teaches others deal with them too.”
However she wasn’t alone. Your entire household, from the youngest sibling to their father, leaned in. “My youthful sister is 5 years youthful than me,” Shahd shared. “Even when she was a toddler, my mother defined Abdelrahman’s wants, and he or she stepped into the identical position I had, supporting, serving to, and defending.”
Their house is a hub of help, pleasure, and togetherness. Their father takes Abdelrahman to prayers and introduces him to others, who now contemplate Abdelrahman a part of their circle. Their mom has grow to be an area position mannequin, typically sought by different households for recommendation. “Different mother and father come to her asking, ‘How did you do that?’ And she or he shares all the things,” stated Shahd.
Now, the household’s advocacy has grown past their group. They recurrently communicate collectively at faculties, conferences, and nationwide occasions, sharing their experiences and inspiring others to rethink incapacity and embrace inclusion. Every member of the family provides a singular perspective, from a mom’s resilience to a sister’s sense of obligation, to Abdelrahman’s voice as a self-advocate. Their storytelling just isn’t solely highly effective, but additionally altering mindsets.
This robust basis has formed Abdelrahman’s path. Over 20 years of persistence, love, and remedy have helped him develop into an achieved younger man. He’s a member of the Native Youth Management Council in Egypt and served on the World Youth Management Council from December 2023 to March 2025. He’s traveled to Washington, Abu Dhabi, and Turin, advocating, talking, and proudly representing others like him.
“I wouldn’t be right here with out my household,” he stated. “They supported me each step of the way in which.”
Shahd displays on her personal journey, too. “Actually, he modified my life greater than I may ever change his. From him, I realized be accountable, empathize, love unconditionally. Simply by being himself, he taught me all the things.”
Talking out isn’t all the time simple, she admits. “Folks worry the unknown. So, I simply saved making an attempt, saved elevating consciousness, saved encouraging others to incorporate individuals with mental disabilities of their communities. Households should train their kids to just accept and respect everybody.”
Their mom provides, “Some households really feel disgrace and conceal their kids. However I’ve by no means been ashamed. I’ve all the time been proud. I would like different households to know that they’ve a hero of their home. One thing excellent. Be proud. Present the world what’s attainable.”
Collectively, this household travels, speaks, and lives out their reality. They show that with love, visibility, and help, inclusion just isn’t solely attainable, but additionally highly effective.
Their message to the world is straightforward: Folks with mental disabilities belong. For those who isolate them, you restrict them. However when you embody them, they’ll grow to be all the things.
“Abdelrahman modified my life to the higher. He’s making me accountable, he’s serving to me growing abilities that I believed I shouldn’t have,” stated Shahd. “My recommendation, we’re those that ought to adapt to the athletes superb world and be a part of their setting.”
