From the moment Abdelrahman Elmowafy’s family received his diagnosis, they didn’t see a problem, they saw a purpose. He was identified with Autism and his mother remembers it clearly, “It was a responsibility, one our whole family shared. Each of us had a role to play. From his father to his sister, everyone contributed to helping him thrive.”
At the heart of this support system is Shahd, Abdelrahman’s older sister, who realized early that being his sibling meant more than just growing up together, it meant standing up for him. “I felt responsible to speak out,” she said. “I didn’t want him to get bullied or misunderstood just because people hadn’t been taught how to see him. My mom put that love in my heart, and I grew up knowing I had to protect and advocate for him.”
That great unlimited love evolved into action. Shahd started raising awareness in her school, talking to friends, teachers, and anyone who would listen. Her goal was simple but profound, help people see her brother for who he truly was. Over time, her friends became his friends. “I think that’s the message, how you treat someone teaches others how to treat them too.”
But she wasn’t alone. The entire family, from the youngest sibling to their father, leaned in. “My younger sister is five years younger than me,” Shahd shared. “Even when she was a child, my mom explained Abdelrahman’s needs, and she stepped into the same role I had, supporting, helping, and protecting.”
Their home is a hub of support, joy, and togetherness. Their father takes Abdelrahman to prayers and introduces him to others, who now consider Abdelrahman part of their circle. Their mother has become a local role model, often sought by other families for advice. “Other parents come to her asking, ‘How did you do this?’ And she shares everything,” said Shahd.
Now, the family’s advocacy has grown beyond their community. They regularly speak together at schools, conferences, and national events, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to rethink disability and embrace inclusion. Each family member offers a unique perspective, from a mother’s resilience to a sister’s sense of duty, to Abdelrahman’s voice as a self-advocate. Their storytelling is not only powerful, but also changing mindsets.
This strong foundation has shaped Abdelrahman’s path. Over 20 years of persistence, love, and therapy have helped him grow into an accomplished young man. He is a member of the Local Youth Leadership Council in Egypt and served on the Global Youth Leadership Council from December 2023 to March 2025. He’s traveled to Washington, Abu Dhabi, and Turin, advocating, speaking, and proudly representing others like him.
“I wouldn’t be here without my family,” he said. “They supported me every step of the way.”
Shahd reflects on her own journey, too. “Honestly, he changed my life more than I could ever change his. From him, I learned how to be responsible, how to empathize, how to love unconditionally. Just by being himself, he taught me everything.”
Speaking out isn’t always easy, she admits. “People fear the unknown. So, I just kept trying, kept raising awareness, kept encouraging others to include people with intellectual disabilities in their communities. Families must teach their children to accept and respect everyone.”
Their mother adds, “Some families feel shame and hide their children. But I’ve never been ashamed. I’ve always been proud. I want other families to know that they have a hero in their house. Something very good. Be proud. Show the world what’s possible.”
Together, this family travels, speaks, and lives out their truth. They prove that with love, visibility, and support, inclusion is not only possible, but also powerful.
Their message to the world is simple: People with intellectual disabilities belong. If you isolate them, you limit them. But if you include them, they can become everything.
“Abdelrahman changed my life to the better. He is making me responsible, he is helping me developing skills that I thought I do not have,” said Shahd. “My advice, we are the ones that should adapt to the athletes amazing world and be part of their environment.”
