Baba Talisha urges parents not to hide neurodivergent children
By Valerian Khakayi, July 26, 2025Famous photographer and social media influencer Faustine Lipuku, widely known as Baba Talisha, has made a powerful appeal to parents of neurodivergent children, encouraging them to embrace visibility, not fear it.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Friday night, July 24, 2025, Lipuku said that many parents are championing their kids, but some feel like society would treat them differently.
He explained that keeping children hidden only deepens stigma.
“I would wish to tell parents with neurodivergent children to be the champions of their own kids and accept, wengine wao wanaficha watoto kwa sababu hawajakubali,” he said.
“We have so many parents who are championing for their kids, but we have some who feel like society would treat them differently; they do not have to lose hope; those kids are a gift from God.”
Additionally, Baba Talisha urged that parents should stand up for their children and take them to qualified physicians, noting that there is ample support available for kids with different capabilities.
“You should stand up for them and take them to qualified physicians, and there is much support for kids who have different capabilities.”
“I want to champion for Talisha and any other kid who has the same conditions, some of which they acquired through a road accident,or negligence.”
Talisha’s 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.