Tag: #ChangemakerSaathistory

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changemakersaathi

Yenn Purkis: A Changemaker Advocating for Autism and Neurodivergent Rights

Global Leaders and Changemakers- Yenn Purkis. Autistic author, advocate and is a non-binary gender and use the pronouns they / them

Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate and presenter. Yenn is the author of 13 published books, all about elements of autism. Yenn has many awards for their work including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2019 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award. Yenn is passionate about making a difference for neurodivergent and Queer folks. Yenn has presented all over the world – often via Zoom! Yenn gave a talk on autism and resilience for TEDx Canberra in 2013. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art. They also have a large public profile particularly in the autistic and transgender communities.
Yenn lives in a house full of art and books in Canberra, Australia with their little tortoiseshell kitty, Sunflower.



In a world that often struggles to understand and accommodate neurodivergent individuals, Yenn Purkis stands out as a true changemaker. As an autistic and non-binary advocate, author, and presenter, Yenn has dedicated their life to making a difference for those who are often marginalized and overlooked. Through their extensive body of work, powerful presentations, and unyielding passion, Yenn has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for the autistic and queer communities.

With an impressive collection of 13 published books, Yenn has become a leading voice in the realm of autism literature. Their books, each delving into various aspects of autism, provide invaluable insights and guidance for individuals, families, and professionals seeking to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals. Yenn’s writings are a testament to their deep understanding of the autistic experience, showcasing their unique ability to articulate complex emotions and perspectives.

Yenn’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2019 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award. These honors speak volumes about the impact Yenn has had on their community and the respect they have earned among their peers.

Passionate about inclusivity and intersectionality, Yenn strives to create a world that celebrates and accommodates neurodivergent and queer individuals. Their advocacy work extends beyond autism, encompassing a broad range of issues faced by the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. Yenn’s unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and acceptance drives them to challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and amplify the voices of those who have long been silenced.

Yenn’s influence reaches far and wide, transcending geographical boundaries through their captivating presentations, often delivered via Zoom. Their talks, filled with wisdom and personal anecdotes, resonate with audiences worldwide. One notable moment was Yenn’s enlightening TEDx Canberra talk in 2013, where they shared their insights on autism and resilience. Yenn’s ability to connect with their audience, instill hope, and inspire change has made them a sought-after speaker on international stages.

Beyond their advocacy work, Yenn’s talents extend into the realm of art. With a Master’s degree in Fine Art, they demonstrate a profound ability to express themselves visually. Their house in Canberra, Australia, is a testament to their creativity, adorned with art and filled with books. It serves as a sanctuary where Yenn can fully embrace their passions and surround themselves with the things that inspire them.

Yenn’s public profile has grown immensely, particularly within the autistic and transgender communities. Their unwavering authenticity and commitment to creating change have garnered them a loyal following, who find solace and empowerment in Yenn’s words and actions. Through their vulnerability and openness, Yenn has shattered stereotypes and misconceptions, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society.

In the heart of their home, Yenn finds companionship and comfort in their little tortoiseshell kitty, Sunflower. Together, they navigate life’s challenges and remind us of the importance of unconditional love and connection.

Yenn Purkis exemplifies the essence of a changemaker. Their dedication to advocating for the rights of neurodivergent and queer individuals, coupled with their impressive body of work and captivating presentations, has undoubtedly transformed countless lives. Yenn’s impact is felt not only within their immediate community but also on a global scale. As we continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world, Yenn Purkis serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through compassion, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to change.

Let’s hear Yenn’s journey in their own words. Yenn in a candid conversation with Shilpi Mayank Awasthi.

Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi
Founder SpecialSaathi

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changemakersaathi

Geeta Dalal: Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives

Global Leaders and Changemakers

In a world filled with challenges, there are individuals who dedicate their lives to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Geeta Dalal, a renowned psychologist, special educator, and dyslexia therapist, stands out as a true changemaker. Through her extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless children and their families. Geeta’s remarkable journey and commitment to lifelong learning have made her a beacon of hope for those facing learning difficulties.


A Trailblazer in Education and Human Psychology


Geeta Dalal’s academic achievements are a testament to her passion for understanding the human mind and helping others. With a Masters in Clinical & Industrial Psychology, a B.Ed in Special Education, and certifications as a Dyslexia Therapist and Arts-Based Therapist, she possesses a diverse skill set that allows her to address the multifaceted needs of her students. Geeta’s expertise spans across various domains, enabling her to provide holistic support to individuals with learning differences.


Unwavering Patience and Enthusiasm


One of the most remarkable qualities that sets Geeta Dalal apart is her boundless patience and enthusiasm. She approaches every student with empathy and understanding, recognizing that each child is unique and requires personalized attention. Geeta’s ability to patiently guide her students, support their emotional well-being, and foster a love for learning is truly commendable. Her enthusiasm is infectious, inspiring students to overcome challenges and discover their own potential.

An Educator and Mentor


Geeta Dalal’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She is a dedicated teacher who continuously strives to enhance her knowledge and skills. As an International Brain Gym, Double Doodle, and Movement-Based Learning Instructor, Geeta stays at the forefront of educational innovations. By integrating these innovative techniques into her teaching, she empowers students to learn through movement, creativity, and active engagement. Geeta’s dedication to professional development sets an example for her colleagues and enriches the education community as a whole.

Guiding and Empowering Parents


Recognizing the vital role parents play in a child’s education, Geeta Dalal extends her support beyond the classroom. She provides guidance and counseling to parents, helping them understand their child’s needs, cope with challenges, and unlock their child’s full potential. Geeta’s empathetic approach and deep understanding of the emotional journey that families undergo make her an invaluable resource for parents navigating the complexities of raising a child with learning differences.

Promoting Inclusion and Awareness


Geeta Dalal’s work extends beyond her immediate community. As a certified Drum Circle Facilitator, she uses music as a medium to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Geeta recognizes the power of rhythm and the collective experience of music-making in fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Through her workshops and initiatives, she spreads awareness about learning differences and advocates for inclusive education practices, creating a more inclusive and understanding society.


Geeta Dalal’s journey as an educator and a therapist is nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering dedication, patience, and enthusiasm have touched the lives of countless children and their families. Geeta’s commitment to lifelong learning, her expertise in various therapeutic techniques, and her passion for promoting inclusivity make her a true changemaker. Through her tireless efforts, Geeta continues to empower minds, transform lives, and pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Let’s hear Geeta’s story and her journey in her own words. Presenting Ms.Geeta Dalal’s talk with Ms.Shilpi Mayank Awasthi Founder of SpecialSaathi ..
Interview recording

Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi
Founder SpecialSaathi

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changemakersaathi centers

Orane Kids,School for Special Children,Noida

Changemakersaathi Special school and therapy center for special needs children in Noida, Delhi and NCR region.

Orane Kids, School for Special Children, Sector 72 Noida, has been making remarkable progress in the field of special education since its inception. We believe in the worth, dignity and unique character of the individual. The school strives to provide quality education and training to its students, where learning is limited only by the ability of the learner.


Here are some of the notable achievements of the school:


1. Cohesive Education: Orane Kids actively involves networking and a comprehensive trans-disciplinary team approach with reference to identification and diagnosis of ASD. The school facilitates an embracing, therapeutic, supportive and psycho-educational environment which operates in cohesion keeping in mind the student, parent and social bonding that forms an integral part of our education.


2. Multidisciplinary Team: The school has a dedicated team of experienced professionals, comprising special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and behavior therapists, who work together to deliver personalized learning programs for each student. Members of staff at Orane are trained in internationally-recognized methods such as TEACCH, etc. to incorporate visual and verbal stimuli and enhance their interactive cross curricular learning programmes.


3. National Open School (NIOS): Orane Kids is one of the few special schools which designs Individualised Education Plan, tailor made to the child’s learning style. The school has a well-equipped sensory room, and other therapeutic tools to provide Occupational Therapy that caters to sensory needs and other motor skill development of the students. The school also provides Speech Therapy as per the child’s needs and requirements. Some of our children have appeared for the National Open school exams and since inception we have had three batches successfully clearing the National Open School Exam of Grade 3 & 5 respectively.


4. Inculcating Life Skills: The curriculum of Orane Kids is not limited to academics but also focuses on the holistic development of children; imparting life skills, social skills, pre-vocational and vocational training to the students. The vocational centre Sai Yogya equips our young adults and adults for vocational training and life skills. Products made by these young adults have been showcased in MNC’s like HCL and Nagarro Software and were a huge success in Diwali Fairs and Durga Puja Fairs. Social clubs like Inner Wheel and Rotary Club have recognised our efforts and supported the cause with donations and guidance.


5. Respite Care & Day Care: Orane respite care provides a home away from home for our young children. During the times when going to that meeting or family wedding is inevitable or if there is a medical emergency in the family, we provide day care and respite care to your child. Under the care of competent staff, the children are provided home cooked food and actively involved in various activities.


6. An All-Round Development Centre: At Orane we have always believed in overall development of the children. The children participate in almost all sports competitions held in Noida and Delhi. Preparation for these events go on throughout the year. Yoga is a part of the regular curriculum. The children are also taken to various outings to develop their social skills and as a part of our training in making this world all inclusive. Our Carnival is one such event which is thrown open to the public and all the special schools in Noida.


7. Annual Events: Orane Kids has provided differently abled children and adults across India a unique platform to share their skills and celebrate them together by hosting online Gardening and Cooking competitions for them.
The Super Special Chef Contest over 2 seasons has witnessed over 100 entries every year from differently abled individuals sharing videos and then cooking live online.
The Super Special Gardener Contest had our special participants come up with amazing gardening skills, live for the viewers online.


8. The Lockdown Challenge: The Covid lock down situation saw Orane at the forefront with various webinars on different topics not only in training parents but also encouraging fellow parents too. Online therapy be it speech, Occupational Therapy or special education was also some of the major initiatives we incorporated.


Orane Kids School, has been doing commendable work in empowering children with special needs and providing them with equal opportunities to thrive as we believe in the worth, dignity and unique character of every individual. An initiative founded and managed by parents of autistic children, Orane Kids strives to support every special individual and their parents with love, learning and warm guidance.

Team Orane Kids

Artwork for the ChangemakerSaathi story is done by our extremely talented CreativeSaathi associates Morpheus Nag and Dhairya Kumar Pal

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changemakersaathi changemakersaathi centers

Dr. Sonali Kataria,Sunrise Learning Special School Noida

Changemakersaathi Special school and for Holistic development of special needs children in Noida, Delhi and NCR region.

STORIES THAT INSPIRE for SPECIALSAATHI

Dr Sonali Kataria Sirohi

She is the founder and Head of an organization called Sunrise Learning Foundation that provides education and training to children & adults with special needs, and their parents.
Born and brought up in a family of doctors, her basic education is medical (MBBS), followed by an MD from AIIMS, with Neuroscience as her specialization. She is an Autism Specialist and a Fellow in Pediatrics.

She is a mother of two beautiful boys: Poorab and Yuvraaj.
When her first child was born, she noticed some red flags in development, as early as 9 months, and he was diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum, by 2 years. Interventions started, but at that time, she was working as a full time consultant in AIIMS, a premiere Institute of the country. When her everyday struggle to balance work and child got tougher, she finally “quit the dream job” to be there for her child.

And that was when her new journey began. She found immense joy in her new world, yet there was a painful silence in her life. All she wanted to hear was a “mummy” !

Very soon, she conceived again, and despite the words of caution given to her by everyone, including her doctor friends and colleagues, that there are good chances of the second child having autism too, she went ahead to bring him into her life.

Yuvraaj came like a breath of fresh air. He broke the years of silence, by talking his way into her world. He started building little blocks of interaction and communication for Poorab. He entered Poorab’s bubble, like no one else could. And this was just the beginning….of a beautiful love story – of a new Sunrise.

Now, she was running a playgroup for play skills for children, and many parents began to look up to her for guidance & support, her inner forces urged her to take the next step- towards a better world for children on the autism spectrum – for their clueless mothers and lost fathers, for parents who felt like autism is a horrible disease.

And this is how Sunrise Learning came into being in 2014, as a pre-school, in a small 2-room place, in sector 122, with 2 students – Poorab & Yuvraaj.
‘Poorab’ means East (from where the sun rises), and ‘Yuvraaj’ means the prince of new learnings. SUNRISE LEARNING was now her third baby.

It stood to bridge the gap between ignorance and understanding, hopelessness and belief, and most importantly, between the parents and their autistic children.

Today, besides being a senior doctor, a social activist, an autism professional, a special-school head, a 2-times TEDx speaker and an autism parent, Dr Sonali is extremely passionate about INCLUSION OF DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PEOPLE (neurodiverse people) into the mainstream society by bridging gaps through INFORMATION-AWARENESS, ACCEPTANCE and CREATING INCLUSIVE SYSTEMS in health-care, educational institutions, and all public services. Currently, she is a member of the panel of doctors at IMA who are fervently involved in modifying the systems at OPD level & Hospital services, to ensure that they are more conducive for managing children & adults with autism. She is also on the advisory board panel of mainstream schools in Noida – Greater Noida – Ghaziabad & Meerut for creating inclusive set-ups for students who have unique needs.

In this journey of empowering families, she has shared the stage with Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Sania Mirza, Smriti Irani, Saina Nehwal, and been invited to Dr Subhash Chandra Show, trying to create every possible opportunity for these influential people to understand the challenges faced by special families, and working towards creating more & more INCLUSIVE SYSTEMS at a larger level.

Some recent awards & recognitions:
• Nominated for Sofy Women’s Awards in Social Excellence category 2015 (conducted by Zee News)
• Received 19th Stree Shakti Award 2018 (Gantavya Sansthan), awarded by Shri Sunil Shastri (s/o Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri) for remarkable work in the field of women empowerment
• Received PNI achievers award 2018 for outstanding work in the field of empowerment of persons with special needs.
• Received International School Award 2019 at Dubai (Amity University), for phenomenal parental engagement
• Received Forever Star India Awards (FSIA) The Real Super Woman 2020 in category Doctors in Social Achievements
• Nominated for “Rashtriya Gaurav Puraskar” 2014
• National School Award 2021 (Best special School in Uttar Pradesh)
• Bharat Shiksha Gaurav Puraskar 2021 (for her outstanding performance in the field of Special Education Leadership)
• KTK FOUNDATION Education Excellence AWARD 2022 (for academic research in the field of Special Education)
• Women Leadership Award 2022 (for exemplary leadership in the field of Special Education)

Her Educational qualifications
• MBBS, MD (AIIMS), DNB, MNAMS
• Autism Specialist (IBCCES)
• Fellow in Pediatrics (Medvarsity)
• Visiting Faculty (Dept of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, AUS)
• Son-Rise Program (Autism Treatment Center of America, Massachusetts, USA)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Education Administration (Symbiosis)
• Teachers Training in Special Education for Autism (American Tesol Institute)

When life gifted her a challenge, she chose to take it as an opportunity, she chose to “be the warrior” and not the victim of her circumstances.
Today her motto is “Start where you are, Use what you have and Do what you can, to be your BEST”

Sunrise Learning Foundation
It is a not-for-profit non-Government organization dedicated towards providing employment, empowerment, inclusion, independence, vocational training, education and support services to differently-abled people and their families.
The organization is registered as a Trust, under The Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and Niti Ayog, DARPAN, FCRA, CSR-1, and MSME. It is also registered under sections 80G and 12A of Income Tax Act, 1961.
With its head- office in New Delhi and a Special School at Noida, the Foundation works with families pan India through various outreach programs for providing Skill Training to differently-abled persons.

Sunrise Learning Foundation’s Mission Statement
“Empowering Special Lives towards independence & dignity since 2014” is the mandate of Sunrise Learning. The guiding philosophy of their work is to ensure that the people with special needs are able to capitalize on their strengths, reach their maximum potential, and live a life of dignity and independence.

ABOUT SUNRISE LEARNING, NOIDA
Sunrise Learning – a special school and a unit of SUNRISE LEARNING FOUNDATION, in Noida that provides education and support to individuals with special needs, in the age groups of 2 to 30+ years.
The school offers a wide range of support & educational services, to diverse needs and different age-groups including Early Intervention, Early Learning, Pre-Vocational skill training, Employment Readiness Training, NIOS formal education, Vocational Training courses, sports academy, speech and sensory-motor therapies, and multidisciplinary activities.
It offers a safe happy social environment, for children, adolescents & adults to “be themselves, discover and nurture their interests and strengths and actualize their potential” in a non-judgmental loving environment.

Sunrise Learning also provides empowerment for parents and professionals, through many webinars, workshops and courses. It also offers a learning portal with powerful free and paid courses for crucial & key areas of special parenting.
Check platform here https://sunriselearning.edmingle.com/

To know more please visit website of Sunrise Leaning at www.sunriselearning.in


The team at Sunrise Learning
Sunrise Learning has a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work together to provide holistic education and support to individuals with special needs. The team comprises of Special Educators, Occupational & Speech Therapists, Sports Coaches, Computer educators, NIOS Subject teachers, Psychologists, Vocational Skill trainers, faculty for music, dance, art, cooking, yoga. many of them are parent-professionals.

Future goals of Sunrise Learning
The visionary management team and the dynamic faculty are always trying to seek platforms of opportunity for the learners to grow, in their social & vocational abilities, and the next plan is to scale up the work, to reach out to many more specially-abled people to empower them, enable them and bring out their best potential to become productive citizens of this country.

Social Media :

EMPOWER YOURSELF AS PARENTS & AS DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PEOPLE –
YOUTUBE CHANNEL : https://youtube.com/c/SunriseLearningNoida
TELEGRAM RESOURCES : https://t.me/sunriselearning
TWITTER: @sunriselearningnoida
FB: www.facebook.com/sunriselearningnoida122
BLOGS : https://medium.com/@Sunriselearning
INSTA : @learningsunrise ; @sunriselearningfoundation1
EDMINGLE COURSES : https://sunriselearning.edmingle.com/courses
WEBSITE: www.sunriselearning.in
Email Address: contactus@sunriselearning.in
Phone Number +911203153413 (call b/w 9 am to 5 pm)
WA NUMBERS 8585928038, 7042979118, 9560509118


Some Glimpses of our work

• Our Programs and Impact
https://youtu.be/VUYmTFa51l4
• The team and the learners
https://youtu.be/QZO2WJJKo64
• The journey – 2014-2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO0mcKki-j4
• Dr Sonali Kataria – TED X talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpGxte51q8U
• DD National Documentary on AUTISM AWARENESS DAY 2021 https://youtu.be/UDnOXiuH1E
• Autism awareness talk: Dr Sonali invited as guest for a talk about empowerment of persons with disabilities at Dr Subhash Chandra Show August 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd-_rwN4Y5w

Source- Dr. SONALI KATARIA and team Sunrise Learning

Artwork for the ChangemakerSaathi story is done by our extremely talented CreativeSaathi associates Morpheus Nag and Dhairya Kumar Pal

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changemakersaathi Story

MY JOURNEY WITH AUTISM

TRIVENI GOSWAMI VERNAL
Autism Advocate and Special Educator

My journey with Autism began in 2014 when my son, Kabir, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), at 2 and a half years. He had shown signs of regression in speech and social skills. All the words he had, slowly disappeared, and he was reduced to a state of babbling.

I have a background in Clinical Psychology and I think that helped me initially, especially in looking for resources, and being able to create an understanding of how the brain was wired differently in Autism. But Regressive Autism was something that completely baffled me. I pored over pages and pages on speech and language acquisition, speech therapy interventions but couldn’t come up with anything concrete on how children who lose speech through regression, acquire it again, or how long it takes (if ever).

What followed were many sleepless nights, that kept me awake…trying to understand how we had come to this point, how did we miss the red flags—disappearing words, losing eye contact, not responding to his name etc. But more importantly, what would the next course of action be. I reached out to a lot of people—friends, extended family members, individuals I had worked with and somehow, the process to find ways to work with him, just snowballed from there. It was like a ripple effect. The more I spoke about it, the more I interacted and engaged with people, and the more opportunities began to open up, for working with him.

Soon after his diagnosis, I did a three month in-person Parent and Child Training Program (PCTP) at Action for Autism, New Delhi. That was literally a game-changer of sorts, and it shifted the focus within me—from being an individual who felt ‘victimized’, by the circumstances to someone who felt ‘empowered’, learning strategies and new ways of engaging with him.


Right after the training at AFA, I created a page, “The Autism Niche” (www.facebook.com/theautismniche/) to write about and disseminate information on educators, parents and therapists who have been associated with the field of Disability, and more particularly, Autism. I have, at various points in time, carried out series of interviews with Speech Language Pathologists, Montessori teachers, Dance therapists, Special Educators and last but not the least, Parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. The page has been my way of connecting with other parents and professionals, and is also an endeavour to give back to the community.


Over the years, I have tried to keep myself abreast with new ways of working with him and I have undergone several trainings for the same.


*In 2018 I completed my B.Ed. in Special Education, with a specialization in Intellectual Disabilities (under RCI).

*Then I did the Dsylexia Teacher Training Certification (with Afshan Jabeen from Ripples Centre for Enhanced Learning, Hyderabad, in 2019).

*In the post-Covid world, several courses are now available online, for us. I took that opportunity and, I did a couple of courses online with Seema Ganjoo (an Autism Interventionist from Mumbai) on Executive Functioning and Perceptual Processing and Functional Language and Communication.

*I then did a Diploma in Art Therapy (more on the lines of Art as Psychotherapy) from an organization in Bangalore, a couple of certifications in Brain Gym and a self-paced course on Gestalt Language Processing from http://www.meaningfulspeech.com .

*And a couple of months ago, I did the Avaz Certified Educator Course.

So, I think its very important for one to be open to doing and learning new ways of working with our children.

Stumbling upon Gestalt Language Processing, last year, was truly transformative in the way I began to look at communication via phrases. Nowadays, I meticulously write down every phrase Kabir utters, and I often find that he uses the meaning of that phrase in the correct context.


I have been associated with Nayi Disha (a pan India resource centre on Developmental Disabilities) for close to 7 years now, as a parent advocate/mentor and I have also begun volunteering at Abhyasana (a centre working with children on the Autism Spectrum, in Hyderabad), since 2022.


Kabir has now blossomed into a child who is inquisitive, loves reading books and listening to various genres of music, enjoys creating art and has quite a vast vocabulary, although he is primarily non-speaking. He is able to communicate, and often does so, through echolalic phrases he has picked up from books/ music he listens to or even programs he watches.


Visual Art has been a transformative tool for Kabir. He has a sensory need for sticky surfaces and that’s how I got him to try finger painting. Introducing various forms of Art opened up new doors for him—it was not only a vessel to learn multiple concepts like colours, shapes and textures but also a means by which he could express his thoughts and emotions. He truly enjoys the process of creating art and is greatly inspired by Nature.
Kabir’s explorations in art have also led to several new connections for me. I began my association with Special Saathi, after Kabir was made a Creative Associate. I will be contributing regular pieces to the blog on Special Saathi, from this month.

I have been juggling various hats, professionally, since Kabir’s diagnosis. Initially I decided to take a sabbatical from work with a non-governmental organization, that I was working with. I then started my own brand, “Nijora” (www.facebook.com/nijoracrafts/ and on Instagram @nijoracrafts). I handcraft jewellery and make small batch skincare. I also work as an Independent Researcher and I try to work on subjects that are close to my heart—Northeast India Studies, Disability Studies, Gender, Autism, Caregiver Burden and Art. I have managed to publish articles on Disability Rights, Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Mental Health and Covid (over the past six years) in a few International Journals and co-authored a chapter in a book on Ecofeminism, last year.

While I agree, multi-tasking is not easy, but I truly believe that it is absolutely essential, that we all develop identities that are much more than just being an Autism parent. We all have a lot more potential within us, and we are stronger than we believe and we can be so much more, in life. It is also very important, that all women have financial independence and that we actively work towards realizing that.

For me, the journey of being an Autism parent has been a life changing experience. There is so much of me, today, that has been moulded by Kabir’s lived experience with Autism. Having a child on the Autism Spectrum has its fair share of challenges—innumerable ups and downs, frustration, anger, being driven to despair with many a sleepless night. But it also teaches one to slow down, celebrate even the smallest of milestones and accept the individuality of the child.

One has to dismantle internal frameworks and expectations, that one may have carefully built over the years.

Life with a child on the Autism Spectrum is definitely not a bed of roses but if we allow ourselves to step back and be mindful, from time to time, Autism can open up a new world for us!
****************

Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 11 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork by Triveni’s son Kabir Vernal “Garden Lion”
It’s a whimsical take on a Lion who is looking rather benevolent with a wreath of flowers around it’s face.

Creative representation for Triveni’s changemakersaathi story is done by her son Kabir Vernal.