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Dubai: Autistic son's love for vacuum cleaners inspires mother to pen new children's book
'By telling Talha’s story, I hope to inspire parents, educators, and children to appreciate what makes us all unique,' author Uzma Akser said
- PUBLISHED: Sat 22 Mar 2025, 8:59 AM
Dubai-based UK expat and neurodiversity consultant Uzma Akser never imagined that a household appliance would become the bridge to understanding her autistic son’s unique world. Inspired by her 15-year-old son Talha’s childhood fascination with vacuum cleaners, Uzma authored ‘The Boy Who Loved Vacuum Cleaners’, a heartwarming story that celebrates neurodiversity and promotes inclusivity.
“I wanted to show that differences are not weaknesses but strengths,” Uzma, 44, shared with Khaleej Times, noting: “By telling Talha’s story, I hope to inspire parents, educators, and children to appreciate what makes us all unique.”
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Uzma’s book narrates the story of Hisham, a boy whose love for vacuum cleaners sets him apart, while tackling themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and understanding.
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The inspiration came from Talha’s fascination with vacuum cleaners when he was a toddler. Uzma recalled: “He would watch them spin, open them up, and study how they worked. I even ordered a cake shaped like it on his second birthday."
Initially, Uzma attempted to redirect Talha’s focus, a decision that only deepened his distress and led him to seek comfort in other machines, like washing machines. The turning point came when Uzma embraced Talha’s passion instead of resisting it. “When I returned the vacuum cleaner, the joy on his face was indescribable,” she said. “That was the moment I realised supporting his interests was more important than trying to change them.”
Uzma’s journey with Talha shaped her understanding of neurodiversity. “I’ve learned that neurodiversity is simply a natural variation in how our brains work,” she explained. “Supporting my son’s passions has given him confidence and comfort.”
Uzma started writing the book in 2017, capturing her thoughts and feelings as they unfolded, so that parents in similar situations could benefit from her experience. What began as a personal reflection evolved into a complete story that sat on her bedside table for years.
Lessons in adjustment
Talha’s story resonates with other parents, like Maha Khorchid, whose nine-year old son, Karim, displays typical neurodiverse behaviours, such as hand-flapping, repeatedly watching the same videos and repeating numbers and alphabets continuously.
“What I understood is that these kinds of behaviour help him self-regulate, The trick is not to make it seem weird or distract them,” Maha said.
Meanwhile, Dr Binu George, a consultant in neurodevelopmental disabilities, highlighted the significance of unique interests in the lives of neurodivergent children. He said: "These children frequently form deep connections with inanimate objects as a means of managing sensory overload, emotional stress, and social challenges. These objects act as anchors, providing a predictable and calming presence in an otherwise unpredictable environment.
“For children with heightened sensory sensitivities, the textures, sounds, or movements of these objects can serve as soothing tools for self-regulation, helping them cope with anxiety or overstimulation,” he added.
“Beyond sensory comfort,” Dr Binu continued. “Attachments offer emotional support, serving as safe and non-judgmental outlets during moments of social difficulty or challenging transitions. They also contribute to maintaining routine and structure, offering a sense of control and predictability in daily life.”
According to Dr Binu, caregivers play a vital role in supporting these attachments by validating the child’s need for comfort while gently encouraging the development of alternative coping strategies. Setting thoughtful boundaries around the use of these objects—such as designated times or safe spaces for engagement—can gradually enhance flexibility and adaptability.
Uzma added: “Talha, now a young adult, has embraced his role as the inspiration behind Hisham’s story. “At first, he was nervous about sharing his journey. But seeing how it helps others has made him proud.”