More Than a Word: Living Beyond Autism"

 

Image Description: A galaxy with various planets rotating around, depicting the different moods.

It’s been quite a while since we last shared a blog post. Lately, I’ve been leaning more towards sharing Akshat’s thoughts and expressions, but over the past couple of months, he hasn't really been in the mood to write—perhaps a bit of a writer’s block.

Interestingly, he began this particular piece way back on March 19th. At first, he was reluctant to even start. He didn’t feel like writing at all. But despite that, he showed up every day—sometimes just putting down a word or two. That quiet consistency made all the difference. Slowly but surely, he found his rhythm, and today, he finally completed it.

A few days ago, I came across a line that really resonated with me: “Sometimes, habit creates the change that motivation alone cannot.” Watching Akshat over these weeks, I truly see the power of that idea coming to life.

Ritu Rassay

Autism — a word that defines my personality, but my identity goes beyond it. Autism is a part of my life, but my life is more than that.

This is a mindset that one needs to develop over time. I remember there was a time when mood was affecting the mind. I was going through a phase where my sensory challenges and mood swings were holding me all over. The sensory challenges — like the smell of people and intense fear of losing loved ones — had held me captive. It deeply affected my persona.

The worst of autism for me is mood swings. I can experience them in my brain and in my body. However, I developed my own coping mechanism to combat mood swings and anxiety. Music came as a rescue and became my life.

Gradually, I learned to manage my emotions, but still, sometimes, my mood plays hide and seek with me. The whirlpool of emotions sometimes overpowers the brain, and the mind just cannot control it, which triggers the mood swing. I want to manage them more effectively.

Being autistic, I feel that being able to think, feel, and concentrate is my strength. I enjoy writing as it allows me to share my thoughts. I am happy in my skin and do not want to change for others.

Akshat Rassay

8-4-25


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