Zahir Speaks in Colors: The Book That Changed How I See Motherhood

Motherhood has a way of teaching you lessons you didn’t know you needed. It stretches you, humbles you, and forces you to see the world through brand-new eyes. For me, that awakening came through my son, Zahir, my quiet light, my teacher, and the inspiration behind my first children’s book, Zahir Speaks in Colors.

When Zahir was little, I noticed small things that made me pause, how he’d hold his ears when the world got too loud, or how he’d walk on his tiptoes like he was moving through his own rhythm. He was meeting his milestones at first, but then I began to notice that his words weren’t coming the way I expected. My mother instinct told me something was different, and that’s when our journey really began.

When Zahir was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I won’t lie, I felt lost. Not because of who he was, but because I didn’t know how to help him navigate a world that didn’t always understand him. Like most moms, I had expectations, first words, playdates, milestones and when things didn’t go as planned, I questioned myself.

But motherhood has this way of showing you strength you didn’t know you had. Zahir taught me that communication doesn’t always need words. That love doesn’t always sound like “I love you”, sometimes it looks like clapping hands, a quiet smile, or the way he reaches for my hand when he’s unsure.

For years, I held our story close. Then I realized there were other moms who felt the same way I did, hopeful, unsure, and searching for connection. I wanted to create something that helped families like ours feel seen.

That’s how Zahir Speaks in Colors came to life. It's a story that celebrates communication in all forms, love shown through smiles, gestures, and moments that speak louder than words.

Since the book’s release, I’ve had messages from moms all over the country who said, “Thank you for putting our story into words.” Every time I read one, I remember why I do what I do. Zahir has made me a better mother, and writing his story made me a better woman. It reminded me that advocacy starts at home, that when you speak up for your child, you’re also speaking up for thousands of others.

Motherhood taught me how to lead. Autism taught me how to listen.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Zahir, it’s that progress doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s a wave, a clap, a glance, or a quiet moment of peace. And those moments? They matter more than any milestone chart could ever measure. Every parent’s journey looks different and that’s okay. What matters is the love, the patience, and the community we build along the way.

 Order Zahir Speaks in Colors today or follow our journey at @thisiszahirsworld for more stories, updates, and resources for families like ours.