Our experiments with Autism - A never ending journey

  Sorry for the delayed post. Tied up with so many things since May. After a long time something good has happened. Until now, most of you would know that a book, Talking Fingers, co-edited by two mothers, Ms. Chitra Paul and Ms.Padma Jyothi has been released. The book is co-authored by sixteen Indian non-speaking autistics.  The book aims to shatter the myth that non-speaking is equal to non-thinking. The contributors (authors) have shared their thoughts on myriad range of topics ranging from their communication journey, to hobbies, responses to sceptics and their views on neurodiversity and disability. Akhat is also a content contributor (co-author) in this book. It is such a gratifying feeling for us. However, any kind of recognition was/is never my purpose but this book is a true medium to introduce him to the world. I always wanted that people should know him as a human being; his disability should not be a constraint. Seeing him as a published author makes me feel prou...

  What's in Store? I am not going to college No degree, or convocation My mind is wandering off thinking of what vocation It never really settles down on any one thing or two Sometimes wish I could have a lady love too... What should I pursue? For which motivation will stay on - I got no clue... The search goes on and on Could write as an option, and I do when have to express me but upon being forced to do it my focus keeps stumbling In music I find meaning songs inspire me for long Why, if I get a hint of purpose someday, hidden in a song... By, Anagha Jawalekar Inconsistency is a major issue, which hampers overall productivity. Every work require some kind of efforts and sometimes, he does not want to put that effort. Even the simplest ones. Anxiety and ‘mood swings’ makes the work more challenging as he wants to finish everything as fast as possible and do not focus on the quality of the work done. I am focussing to build an opportunity in every possible area, that he shows in...

30-5-22 Visit to the dentist Courage is all you need To beat the challenge Mood causes the irritation That very sensitive inner hot tooth How much valour it needed yes the courage is all you need.   By, Akshat Rassay In the last post, I shared how I am trying to build resilience in Akshat. The work is still in progress and it will take time to reach anywhere. I realised that with age he needs to learn advance life skills like seeing a doctor, hospitalization, blood test, dealing with a sudden change etc. Amaze’s intermediate social skill program taught some of these topics and I envision that it is the time to work on these skills. I have serious gum issues and dentist says that it could be congenital or genetic. Therefore, I was already concerned about Akshat’s oral hygiene and when the topic was discussed in the Amaze’s social skill program, I got the courage and decided to try for a dental check-up for Akshat. The plaque had already started accumulating in his ...

 Resilience One who bends, rebounds you see And stuff that's stiff, breaks tad Make lemonade with unexpected lemons Adapt to change - it's not all bad Being aware will help you cope Recognize your emotions, understand Self compassion can heal, not pity, Take a break, don't be overwhelmed Hold your faith, when you're set back Of old successes, make a mental bank Be rational, focus, find positive solution Move up your strength, boost up your rank Many things are beyond control yet final choice is always your own You're a survivor, not a victim So act like one and let it be known. It, that's flex, regains its form. That deforms is mere plastic. Come now, spring back from crisis, Be resilient, that's fantastic. By, Anagha Jawalekar As I have discussed in detail in the last post about all the measures, that I am trying, to manage Akshat’s aggression, but my bigger purpose is to make him recognize his own valour and to use it whenever and wherever needed in life. ...

  When I wrote the first part on dealing with aggression, I received many messages personally. In most of the messages, it had been said that one needs courage to share what I have shared. I do not know if I had done anything courageous. I simply wanted to share my experiences that I am going through in this autism journey. Many parents have gone through these experiences and/or going through it, but not all of them are in a situation to share them. I know personally parents who are not only struggling with the child’s challenges but with other issues also. I gather my courage by looking up to them, and I dedicate this post to them. The post will be a little long. Please bear with me. Currently, we are walking on the toughest terrain of our journey. Akshat’s aggression is on peak and he does not want to listen to ‘NO’ whereas, most of the time he says ‘NO’. (Reasons I have discussed in earlier post) Therefore, what I have identified is, 1.     I have to pre...

Anger The weather is pleasant again at the end of the hailstorm as it's late summer bright and beautiful  everything else is the same yet the crops have suffered That fit of rage that boils the blood in your nerves and takes over your mind That drives you to aggression to achieve what you think is only freedom Builds up like a storm, pours down and abates Of that I live in constant fear for I have sowed and I have toiled and I put up a fight as I ought to Except it crushes me to you, however, the world remains unchanged. By, Anagha Jawalekar I request everyone not to be judgemental while reading this post. The purpose of writing this post is to share my experiences. Autism has taught me a new lesson every day. Be it awareness, acceptance, perseverance, resilience, patience, hope, or detachment in attachment.   No, I do not intend to become a monk, but yes, over the period, these qualities have developed while working with Akshat. I am sure other fellow parents would agree wi...