Schools play an essential role in a child’s life and growth. School is the first avenue of socializing for a child. With schools, children are exposed not only to new ideas but also to same-aged compatriots. This instills sociable practices such as empathy, friendship, participation, and assistance which turn out to be important in their adulthood. My Son’s play school – Amogh, played a significant role in my own life.
In the current educational scenario, @amoghpreschool stands out where a child learns to go beyond the traditional way of rote learning. Children are taught to develop a mind of their own and through the flexible curriculum, curiosity is promoted.
I joined one of the parenting workshops organized by the school and the discussion was led by Mrs. Sonal Ahuja – “An Educational Alchemist, I help people adapt to proven parenting techniques and make them stand out as caregivers”, as her Linkedin profile says. She has Founded house of learning, an organization working towards educating teachers, parents, and other adults working closely with kids. She trains people to touch the child’s life and has consulted many schools and now helping Delhi legal services authority to bring change in juvenile neurology.
The workshop turned out to be a life-changing experience. She asked one question during the workshop: “Do you live your life for your children?” I was one of those who raised my hand in agreement. Then she explained – it is necessary that we live our life with our children without getting consumed in taking care of them and meeting their needs. It made sense to me how living my life with Rewansh can make a difference. Life became more manageable, more enjoyable, and more satisfying when I lived my moments with my son.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #staystrong #thanks #life #optionsoflife #lifechoices #choices #working #patience #success #failure #happiness #love #story

The normal we call is also a range of behavior patterns and hence is a spectrum. In fact, two kids with 100% shared DNA may look very different when it comes to their behaviors and abilities. There are inconsistencies in human behavior. There are kids who behave differently in a social setup and in school, there are kids who like to stay alone in their own company, etc.
Autistic kids are not Abnormal hence we must stop using the word – normal and instead use “non-autistic” since there is nothing called normal exists. Moreover, every child is different and has its own growth story. The comparison is not fair with them to label them with something.
It completely depends on how you would want to label your kid. Your perspective and mindset will make a huge difference to your kid’s growth and development so choose yours carefully.
#breakingthebias #singleparent #singledad #happilysingledad #dadslove #dadsonduo #autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #staystrong #dualroleparenting #singleparenting

Two people bound together in one relationship called wedlock will have expectations but what if they have different preferences, expectations, and priorities? They may try to sustain for a while under social pressure but if nothing works out then can’t they decide to get parted maturely? The big question is what if they have a child involved? When we decided to get parted, we looked at all aspects and concluded one thing - we will not be given any certificate or award to carry on this relationship without being happy and most importantly, we never had the feeling of love between us. While we had a difference of opinions - we could arrive on a similar ground of parting our ways, also, she happily offered for the child’s custody to be given to me.
People have a right to move on and choose their happiness over anything else; this helped me to break the bias that a mother should take care of kids and let us not be judgmental towards her about her decision. This is what people call being a “single parent”, whereas I call it “Dual-Role Parenting”.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #staystrong #thanks #life #optionsoflife #lifechoices #choices #working #patience #success #failure #happiness #love #story

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complicated. It refers to a host of complex neurodevelopment disorders, all of which are characterized by repetitive patterns of behavior and difficulties with social connection and interaction. These symptoms, such as the inability to make eye contact or to talk about feelings, repeated phrases, or overly focused attention to certain objects or subjects, begin early in childhood and continue to affect daily functioning throughout the person’s life.
If we look to the brain for answers or diagnosis, we won’t necessarily find it—at least not easily. Imaging techniques allow us to see differences that we can measure; but, it is difficult to tell an autistic brain from a brain without ASD with enough sensitivity and specificity to prognosis, or even diagnosis.
The connections within a brain bring it to life. And it’s the brain cells or neurons that act as messengers. When a brain cell is active, it creates an electrical impulse that gets propagated to other cells in the brain. We think that electrical activity holds the basis of thought and behavior and how the brain functions.
When comparing the functional connectivity of ASD brains and unaffected brains, researchers see some networks with lower connectivity, especially in patterns where the distance between brain regions is greater.
In autism there’s short-range over-connectivity and long-range under-connectivity, so, for tasks that require us to combine or assimilate information in different parts of the brain, like social function and complex motor tasks, individuals with autism have more trouble. And when there’s a particular task focused on the single brain region that primarily involves activities like paying attention to specific features in the world around us, individuals with autism tend to be quite good or even better than usual.
Ref- https://www.psycom.net/autism-brain-differences
#autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting

To understand the sensory issues of the child it is important as parents to become more educated about the different senses:
The five basic senses are Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste and Hearing. In addition, we have 3 more senses:
Tactile system - It includes nerves under the skin’s surface that send information to the brain. This information includes light touch, pain, temperature, and pressure.
Vestibular system - It refers to structures within the inner ear that detect movement and changes in the position of the head, even with your eyes closed.
Proprioceptive system - It refers to components of muscles, joints, and tendons that provide a person with a subconscious awareness of body position.
SENSORY INTEGRATION DYSFUNCTION is a disorder in which sensory input is not integrated or organized appropriately in the brain and may produce varying degrees of problems in development, information processing, and behavior. A child may be over or under-responsive to sensory input; activity level may be either unusually high or unusually low. Gross and/or fine motor coordination problems are also common. Behaviorally, the child may become impulsive, easily distractible, and show a general lack of planning. Some children may also have difficulty adjusting to new situations and may react with frustration, aggression, or withdrawal.
Are Autism and Sensory Integration Dysfunction (now called Sensory Processing Disorder) the same?
Simply put, NO - Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (#SPD) are not the same thing. While Autism and SPD are two different and distinct conditions, children on the autism spectrum do have a significantly higher rate of sensory processing delays that shows Sensory Processing Disorder is closely aligned with autism as most autistic children have significant struggles with SPD. Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism may exist mutually exclusive to each other.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness

Rewansh goes to school where a shadow is assigned to take care of and focus on him. He also goes to Occupational therapy sessions. The OT recommendations and interventions are also repeated at home. You must devote time at home to observe the benefits. During his learning cycle, we receive surprises every now and then. Indeed, the therapies work but you need to be consistent and have patience. It is similar to homework that people devote time at home.
The Journey had not been easy for me too in the beginning and neither now. I also went through emotional turmoil and sobbed many times. I could not find anyone who might have gone through a similar situation and may guide me. The only ray of hope was experts whom I banked upon. Also, ‘Shrimad Bhagvat Gita’ came to my rescue, reading it gave me enough strength and courage to carry on my duties. Talking to doctors, and psychologists, and joining many seminars helped me to understand.
The mantra of my life… Saiyyam (Patience), Sankalp (Resolution), and Samarpan (Dedication), with these in mind, I keep on doing the needed.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #staystrong

This was my first incident when someone asked me something about Rewansh. I went to a child physician for a check-up once. My son feels uncomfortable in social places, so he wanted to go out of the clinic. The receptionist observed us for a few minutes and then asked - “Isko koi mental problem hai kya?” (If he has any mental issues?). For a few seconds, I was speechless then I took a deep breath, within a fraction of second many thoughts flashed in my mind, and I calmly replied – “He is autistic.” One of the thoughts was - People will say, will perceive Rewansh but I need to keep calm; the other person has asked something so just reply, and do not react.
As parents or caregivers to people in need, we come across such situations. We need to be clear about our priorities. We are not there to fight with the world and instead must focus on what is needed. This is the courage we must build up within, to be ready to hear such words. We cannot control the world, but we may control the way we respond, something happening to us is just a small part but how we respond or react to it, is the big one.
Moreover, on the other side, people are not trained to carry on such conversations. The society at large needs training on how to address these concerns. This is when a psychologist for the parents and caregivers comes into the picture. You might need to talk to them about how to handle such situations and keep calm. Since we all talk based on our exposure to the world, our knowledge, and our vocabulary so there is no harm to share information with others and educate them.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #staystrong

The parents and caregivers get mentally exhausted, stressed, drained, and need emotional support. They fight within themselves and outside. In such a situation, accepting where we are and planning the next step is imperative. One needs to come to terms with the fact that “The child needs help”, but one must not sit back home thinking – the child has autism, and nothing can be done.
The need is to form an ecosystem as required. Talk to people who may help – Friends, Family, School, Therapists etc. One hour of therapy a day will not help unless that is practiced otherwise, and everybody contributes otherwise. For that you need support and there is no harm in asking for it.
I needed to form an ecosystem around me and Rewansh. Friends were already helping me and after discussion Rewansh’s play school's head Mrs. Sonal Ahuja extended her support by introducing some interventions at the school.
You physical and mental health is needed to sustain things around your child. Seeking help ensures that you can build a supportive community that understands what you’re going through. This community can offer helpful and appropriate guidance and advice.
Talking to experts will give you the coping tools and strategies you need. You’ll be able to navigate challenging situations with a greater degree of awareness.
There will be many situations that will have the potential to make us demotivated and despondent. Seeking help allows you to learn how to manage challenges that can affect your well-being and mental fitness. You’ll perform to the best of your ability, even when you are under pressure.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting

In a patriarchal society, usually, women are expected to take care of the house chores. In my case, things were a little different, I was supposed to play the dual role to take care of my elderly parents and my son, along with the house. The kid was diagnosed to be on the spectrum. Wasn’t this enough for the breakdown? Yes, it was. My brain and heart were acting differently, the brain was collecting information on Autism and searching for the best therapy centers nearby whereas the heart was not accepting the fact and was going down memory lane, watching all his childhood videos, looking at pictures, and figuring out what went wrong. I remember shading tears at times, but it could not help, my tears could not change the reality. I collected myself and another me asked from within - what do you think is necessary for this situation? The simple answer was - to do whatever had been recommended.
It was the time to ask for help and develop a support system. This was not something short-term and would get over in a few days or months. At home, I have my parents and we hired a full-day and another half-day maid for help. My parents supported me very well. I reached out to my manager and requested a flexible shift such that I may take my kid to the therapies. One of my close friends also supported me very well, he got his work hours adjusted to accompany me. We were running a tight schedule those days. While my son was taking therapies, we used to sit outside and complete our pending tasks. The school management had been very helpful, I discussed my son’s reports with the head and she happily extended support by introducing different interventions for the child, which may support his development.
The family, friends, school, maids, caregivers, and my colleagues all formed an eco-system as required, all I ought to realize is that I need help! I can’t thank you enough to God for surrounding me with such nice souls.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #neurodivergent #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate

Rewansh’s assessment at the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development took approx. 4 months and by then I was sure that he needs help. During this time duration, I took online resources, read about the signs and symptoms, and took expert help to find out good therapy centers nearby. As soon as the reports were out, I could get his occupational therapy and speech therapy started.
We need to understand, that our relationship does not change because of our child’s diagnosis. At times people feel, upset thinking of others and society. This is called – “Societal pressure”, and our expectations affect the entire community, or specific parts of it, like the pressure to get married, have children, child’s performance, etc. In today's society, we are free to keep our opinions but are restricted when we want to work on them. Our relationships are beyond Societal pressures.
#autism #autistic #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity #autismpride #asd #pride #loveislove #autismawareness #autismacceptance #forabettertomorrow #autismadvocate #spectrum_inspired #specialneeds #staystrong #thanks #life #optionsoflife #lifechoices #choices #working #patience #success #failure #happiness #love #story