Chikodili.com came to being like all living organisms – the birth of a child. It is said that no one knows the womb that bears the next chief (African proverb). Likewise, no one knows the womb that bears the next child with autism. It is estimated that one in 140 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism yearly. Yet no pregnant woman expects to give birth to a child with autism or any disability. In fact, every expectant mother expects to deliver nothing but a healthy and happy child. But sometimes God in his infinite wisdom will entrust you with the custody of one of his children. This might make you wonder, why is God doing this to me? Are you so good that you do not deserve the inconvenience of raising a child with disability? You had rather that responsibility befall anybody but you. Well you are not alone. My wife and I went through the same agony. However, by reaching to the depths of our faith, it became clearer to us that if God is the one that giveth life and taketh life, could it not be a privilege that he chose us to nurture these children – Chikelue, God’s creation in Igbo language and his younger brother Chijioke, faith in God. At that moment, we went from hopelessness to feeling invigorated and honored to be chosen by God to nurture our children.

The births of our children have since inspired us to have a child naming ceremony in honor of all our four children, especially the two with autism. A child naming ceremony from an African perspective is celebration of the bestowment of ancestry, heritage, identity, community, family, wealth, culture and faith. It is the admission of that child into the lifestyle that surrounds him or her.

The naming ceremony generated so much interest that I had to write a book to explain what the bestowment is all about. That book is It takes a village to name a child. The book has also generated an offshoot in the interest of African art dating back 2000 years and these arts has been digitally enhanced and is available in 20x30 posters and canvases. Some of the arts have also been printed on t-shirts which in turn has inspired a cause – I speak for autism.

What makes this website unique is that you will not find anything like we have here elsewhere. We have done our part. You can be part of our cause by sharing our experience. By purchasing any of the items here you are helping to support families of children with special needs. Thanks for your support.

Chinazor Onianwah

2008