Exploring autism through a mother’s love: Lisa Witten’s ‘My World, My Way’

AT FIRST glance, My World, My Way is a beautifully illustrated children’s book.

- Siyavuya Khaya

LISA Witten, joined by her husband Lance Witten, speaks about her book My World, My Way during its official launch at Erin Hall in Rondebosch on Sunday. I SIYAVUYA KHAYA

But within its gentle pages lies a powerful mission — one born from heartbreak, resilience, and an unwavering love of a mother determined to shift the narrative around autism. Friends and family of first-time author Lisa Witten gathered at Erin Hall in Rondebosch to celebrate the official launch of her book My World, My Way last week.

The mother of two never imagined she'd be writing a book that would serve as a bridge between misunderstood children and the world around them.

But her daughter Mila, now 8, had other plans.

Diagnosed with autism at just 18 months, Mila’s early years were filled with confusing meltdowns, unanswered questions, and a deafening silence from a society that often doesn’t understand what it cannot see.

“There were times she'd scream in public and other kids would run away from her,’ Witten recalls. “They didn’t understand. To them, she was just being naughty. But that wasn't it. Not even close,” she said.