Our experiments with Autism - A never ending journey

  So, this Sunday we had another get together and as always, I talked to Akshat about his experiences... Sharing the conversation (with his permission, of course) we had today only... 20-12-2022 M. So, we had another get together this Sunday…How was your experience… A. it was manageable. M. Oh…Really! A. Yes. M. How it became manageable for you? A. with trying. M. Oh...That’s really great…What and how did you try? A.   I tried to be very mindful while dealing with sensory issues. M. Amazing! So you are putting your  conscious efforts and  learning to be tolerate and becoming an observer… A. Yes. M. So, what kind of sensory issues you were having there... A. Sound, dirty smell. M. Hmm…But you managed… You need not to always bear it…But these kind of situations also offers an opportunity to be tolerant at times and more importantly, you will learn to observe your mind as well as others. A. no…in these situations with so many people I cannot be...

 Posting after almost two months. Challenges are normal now and an intrinsic part of our life. So, without thinking too much, we are just flowing with the flow and enjoying the time to the fullest. As usual, I am sharing a conversation between me and Akshat. An interesting conversation happened after a long time. The conversation completed in 10 days... 6-12-22 M. We went to Didi’s birthday party last Friday…Do you remember? A. Yes. M. How was it...I forget to ask you... A. it was very uncomfortable to sit there. M. Hmm…What was bothering you? A. dance, singing horribly. M. Hmm…Was there anyone singing? I don’t remember… A. Yes… they were all singing. M. Ohhk…So you don’t like it? A. No M. But they were simply enjoying their friend’s birthday and expressing their enjoyment through dancing and singing… A. Ok…But I do not enjoy mingling with others. M. Ohhk…Then how do you enjoy and celebrate? A. I work seriously with my passion and that is my celebra...

  As the course of medication is about to finish in few days, I don’t know what changes would be there in Akshat again. Right now, he is happy, charged and feeling motivated. Medicines played a big role in stabilising his mood. In addition, I am continuing my efforts so that he can be mindful and deal with his thoughts. Last month was a bit relaxed and we had some nice conversations. In this post, I am sharing a few conversations, which he had with his counsellor. I wish he would continue with the same mind set. Conversation -1  (7/10/22) S. Good morning...How are you? A. gm...fine S. How was your week? A. Week was good. S. What was good? A. There was nothing to seem boring. S. That's nice... A. My mood is getting change to positive S. That's really nice...I want to know one thing from you...How do you cope up with sensory overload? A. I prefer to listen to music. Conversation - 2  (13/10/22) S. How are you? A. doing good. S. Wow...What is good? A. Happy mood? S. Ok...May...

  Writing this post exactly after a month. This time it took a bit long. Quite busy with Akshat and my personal stuff. This time also feeling physically low. Ageing, it seems. Well, things are pretty better now. After starting the medication, Akshat is calm, though I feel somewhere at the core those feelings are still disturbing him. As he cannot filter the unwanted information and feelings, the problem aggravates. An autistic mind does not know what to retain, how much to retain and what needs to be thrown out. Again, I am using the positive affirmations and CBT techniques to strengthen his mind. In addition, as I mentioned in my earlier posts, I have made some environmental changes by taking him to a vocational center, twice a week, reducing all the activities that he find stressful. Being an adult now, he is more assertive now. His ‘NO’ is more firm than ever. The more I talk to him, more I understand him as a person, I come to know that the difficulties arises because of pr...

  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 ...