Our experiments with Autism - A never ending journey

  Difference is a two way thing must be known, or is it new? You are but as different to me as I have been to you Do variations have to bring with them, such distance? Why not a bridge where diverse can compliment? It's common that people prefer their own "cup of tea". Choices are same or different We are just unique - you and me. By, Anagha Jawalekar Every mother is reborn while giving birth to a child. When I was taken to the operation theatre for the delivery 18 years ago, I had no idea what courage and strength I would need to deliver the child. The doctor was insisting on me to push some more so that baby could come out though I was just unable to do it. Finally, she said it would take some more time and left the operation theatre. Suddenly, I didn't know what happened to me, but I started pushing myself. I was almost unconscious. Still, the doctor's words were reverberating in my ears. Push...Push, and I pushed myself. The baby was almost out. The nurse ran

A different Struggle  Don't just give up on me A chance is all I ask Search for me with fair eyes, beyond the superficial mask Life is hard, we all strive each day is fought, less or more But some struggles wait forever, overlooked, to be accounted for  By, Anagha Jawalekar The Mumbai training concluded with lots of learning for me and a remarkable change in Akshat. The future was looking somewhat hopeful. (Although I was unaware of some aspects of disability that were yet to unfold). The Mumbai hangover was still there as we stayed in a carefree environment with like-minded people who had the same issues and therapists who used to counsel us almost every day.  As Akshat's Autism was officially confirmed now, we searched for an Autism School here in Vadodara and luckily got one and admitted him there. I left my job as it was difficult for me to continue it. Meanwhile, I was looking for some sport for Akshat and found a skating academy near our place. I talked to the trainer and

  Much later, a mature mind feels... quite satisfied. Along the way, my abilities were pushed beyond limits, tested and channelized. In an unthought of direction, yes. but my journey has made a difference. Content with rewards of pure efforts -  the discoveries, the success and even the failures... one now reflects - life's best presents come in the most unexpected packages. By, Anagha Jawalekar My husband explained me everything about boarding the local, where to get off etc. and I rote learned it like a student. (My husband always says that it seems I have never learned Geography🙈 but still I somehow managed in Mumbai).  Our training started with the orientation meeting with Dr. Vibha. She is a charismatic person and very down to earth. She introduced us to our trainer Aarti Thakore. Aarti was the behaviour therapist at Ummeed and a very focussed and dedicated girl. In fact I was lucky that in the starting of my journey itself (2008) I met a therapist like her. She was the girl,