On October 26, 2024, Mrs. Enosadeba Acha, co-founder of Restore ABA & Speech Therapy, captivated the audience at Houston’s Grace Event Center with her inspiring message at the “Empowering Individuals with Autism: Faith, Advocacy, and Practical Action” event.
Addressing a diverse crowd of parents, caregivers, and community members, Mrs. Acha shared her unique approach to autism, which combines evidence-based therapy with faith-driven principles.
“Our center is rooted in faith, serving individuals of all ages,” she began, explaining how her commitment to understanding autism began with prayer and evolved through rigorous academic study. Mrs. Acha, who is completing her M.Ed in Applied Behavior Analysis and pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology, believes that autism can be embraced as part of a larger, purposeful design. “Autism is a unique way of experiencing life. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that each person is a divine creation,” she noted, emphasizing that prayer and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can complement each other in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
The event delved into global perspectives on autism, highlighting the progress in regions like the UAE and the need for greater awareness in African communities. “In many cultures, autism is still misunderstood,” she stated. “Our mission is to support each child’s God-given potential, moving beyond stigma to understanding and advocacy.”
Mrs. Acha also underscored the importance of parents as advocates, encouraging them to seek early interventions like ABA and speech therapy. “Proverbs 22:6 guides us to train our children according to their needs. With early support, each child can engage meaningfully with the world,” she said, citing research on the positive impact of early interventions in improving life skills and reducing behavioral challenges.
Attendees were given practical advice on recognizing signs of autism across age groups and received an overview of effective therapies such as occupational and speech therapy. Safety was a key focus, with Mrs. Acha citing CDC data that 50% of children with autism engage in wandering behavior, which calls for tailored preventive measures.
The event concluded with a powerful reminder from Mrs. Acha: “Each person with autism is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14). Our role is to advocate with love, prayer, and action, empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives.”
Mrs. Acha’s message resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many to view autism through a compassionate and faith-informed lens. The event marked a significant step toward bridging clinical and spiritual support for individuals with autism in Houston and beyond.