Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Sanaa Davis

Hi Ayanna Sanaa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Im An autism advocate, artist, and children’s book Author & illustrator who has dedicated my life to championing the rights and recognition of Black Autistics. Raised in Westchester County, New York, ive confronted numerous challenges head-on but im in no way complaining about it. Alongside being autistic, I lives with five autoimmune diseases and has survived over 300 seizures. Yet, I do not allow these obstacles to deterred me from my mission of spreading messages of self-love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion, and autism acceptance through the arts.

From a young age, my artistic talents were apparent. At just seven years old, I produced my first art show and sold my first piece. This early accomplishment was the starting point of my journey to use art as a means of self-expression and advocacy. Through my vibrant and poignant artwork, I found a way to communicate the complexities of living as an Autistic person, particularly as a Black girl, navigating the process of understanding and acceptance.
My latest book, “I’m Autistic and I’m Phenomenal,” stands as a testament to my dedication to representation and advocacy. The story addresses the intricacies and joys of being Autistic , offering a narrative from the unique perspective of a young Black autistic girl. The book serves as an essential resource for fostering understanding and acceptance, not just within the autistic community but also among those who may not be familiar with the disability. Through my writing and illustrations, I emphasize that representation matters and that every child, regardless of their skin tone or hair type, deserves to see themselves reflected positively in the stories they read.
Ive illustrated 31 children’s books and created four coloring books specifically designed for girls of color, including her latest work, “We Are Magical,” which is available on Amazon, My designs extend to custom kids’ clothing, showcased at significant events such as Harlem Week, WBLS Circle of Sisters, WPIX 11 Morning News, and the Talijah Waahid World Natural Hair Show. My for designing is matched by my love for the performing arts. As a former choreographer, my work has been featured on BET, ABC Family, the Maury Povich Show,The Disney Channel and The Apollo Theater. She has also trained over 100 students from underserved communities, imparting her knowledge and passion for the arts to the next generation.
advocacy has garnered her notable recognition. She has been honored at the United Nations and received proclamations in Westchester County, New York. One such proclamation marked April 26th as Ayanna’s Day, celebrating her contributions to the community. Another proclamation on May 8th recognized her as the first Black autistic woman to be honored in her hometown, awarded by the first Black woman mayor. These accolades underscore her impact and the significant strides she has made in promoting autism acceptance and visibility for Black autistic individuals.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I have 5 autoimmune diseases I just went from taking 40 pills a day to now 20 so things are looking up and I’m grateful for that, I struggled in school being undiagnosed I didn’t understand why but now that I have my autism diagnosis I know I was just overwhelmed & overstimulated and just had a different learning style that even teachers sometimes couldn’t deal with me so that one actually physical abused me by choking me, I struggled socially in school so by 9th I was homeschooled because I could no longer handle the social demand of going to school and being around so many people every day

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I would say sets me apart from others is that I’m known for my use of colors I’ve always heard that from the time I was a child until now I create art related to social justice issues as well my children’s illustration that focus on self love and diversity and inclusion I am most proud of my book I’m Autistic & I’m Phenomenal because I feel like little black autistic girls don’t see enough people or images that look like them and everyone deserves to see someone who looks like them everyone deserves to feel like they have a voice and there are people out there speaking up for them

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

My hope is that it shifts to be even more inclusion of black autistic women and the stigma around autism is removed , people sometimes shy away from us when they learn your autistic before even getting to know you before even giving you a chance all because of their ignorance from what they have heard so my hopes are that society dissolves some of these and we are given a fair chance at life, I also hope to see the media handle autism with more care a lot of times there is a lot of misinformation being spread about autism or you are only hearing about the bad side but rarely the joys, there’s so much about autism that people need to see there are so many things this world can learn from our neurodivergent minds

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.linktree.com/phenomenallyautistic
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/phenomenallyautistic
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/phenomenallyautistic
• Youtube: https://Www.youtube.com/phenomenallyautistic

Image Credits

Kyron Murray
TRJ VIsuals