Baba Talisha shares how daughter’s road accident led to autism and dyslexia
Famous photographer and social media influencer Faustine Lipuku, widely known as Baba Talisha, has shared the heart-wrenching story of how a tragic road accident claimed the life of his wife and left their young daughter, Talisha, with devastating brain injuries.
In a candid conversation with a local media station on Friday night, July 25, 2025, he explained how Talisha became a neurodivergent child after the fatal road accident.
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Lipuku said that Talisha was born a typical child but, following the accident, acquired Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2, ADHD (Combined Type), and Dyslexia.
“She was not born like this, but it is due to the accident we had recently. She was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2, ADHD Combined Type, and Dyslexia,” he explained.
“She had a severe brain injury. At the back, she had a concussion, which made blood get to her brain so it swelled; that is why she was admitted to the ICU, she lost speech, her ulimi ilikuwa imekatika yani alirudi kuwa mtoto tu; she was two years by then, but before the accident, she was a normal kid. She acquired the conditions through the accident.”
Milestone
Additionally, the influencer said that, although she is now seven years old, Talisha’s developmental milestones reflect those of a five‑year‑old, which is why her speech remains somewhat delayed and she is unable to construct longer sentences.
“Currently, she is seven years old, but her milestone is that of a five-year-old, which is why her speech is slightly delayed; she cannot construct a very long sentence,” he added.
“She is not adequate, but she is very intelligent; she cannot forget.”
Neurodivergent condition
This comes after Baba Talisha, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, opened up about his daughter’s health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with multiple neurological and learning conditions.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram, he said Talisha has officially been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2, ADHD Combined Type, and Dyslexia.
He said the news comes five years after Talisha survived a near-fatal accident that left her with a severe head injury. Since then, she has undergone extensive therapy and rehabilitation. Faustine described the diagnosis as a moment of heartbreak but also one filled with clarity and love.
“Today, I write this with a heavy heart, but also with a heart full of love. After years of therapy, healing, and beating the odds following a near-fatal accident 5 years ago that left her with a severe head injury… Today, our brave little miracle, Talisha, has officially been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD – Combined Type, and Dyslexia,” he shared.
“It shook me. I won’t lie. I cried. I questioned. I broke down. Because as a parent, all you ever want is for your child’s life to be easy… not another mountain to climb.”
With the diagnosis, he disclosed that Talisha has now resumed occupational and speech therapy, received specialised educational support, and started prescribed medication to help her cope and function better.
