Two 16-year-old autistic twins from South Africa, Lilly and Laiah Thobejane, are using their literary achievements to promote greater inclusion of autistic children in literature, with the International African Writers Association (IAWA), South Africa branch, supporting their journey.

The twins’ story began in a public library, where their mother took them four times a week following their autism diagnosis at the age of three. At the time, they experienced speech and motor delays, alongside other developmental challenges. Their mother used picture books, expressive language and gestures to help them communicate.

Years later, the sisters have become published authors, poetry contributors and creative writing facilitators.

In 2022, while in Grade 6, Laiah wrote Just a Language, co-authored with Lilly. The novel was officially published in 2023. Since then, the twins have contributed to several literary collections and anthologies, including Rise of the Unknown African Child, Stream of Thoughts and The Poetic Pulse.

Beyond writing, the sisters are involved in supporting other aspiring authors. Through IAWA South Africa, they have participated in initiatives to help emerging writers access publishing opportunities, including raising funds by selling their own book. They have also facilitated creative writing workshops in Bochum, South Africa, and organised book launches without corporate sponsorship.

IAWA South Africa aims to expand opportunities for autistic children and young people to become published writers, poets and active contributors to African and international literature.

The association argues that autistic children should not only be represented in stories but also given opportunities to create and publish their own work.

The twins’ journey highlights the importance of accessible learning environments, family support and opportunities for creative expression. It also raises broader questions about how schools, publishers and literary organisations can better accommodate neurodiverse voices.

For IAWA South Africa, the ambition extends beyond celebrating two young authors: it is about building a literary environment where every child, regardless of how they communicate or experience the world, has an opportunity to tell their story.