AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

They played, they fought, they eat cheese burgers with friends… this may seem like a story of just any household with two boys with an age difference of five years. Except that Orko has epilepsy and is autistic. In a heartwarming account, Rajeev Roy talks about the very special relationship he shares with his younger brother.

Pic 1- Rajeev (left) and Orko

The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2017 is ‘Toward Autonomy and Self-determination’. This year, instead of speaking to parents, caregivers or health professions, we have got 5 young adults on the autism spectrum disorder to voice their thoughts and feelings on what autonomy and self-determination means to them. Read their evocative responses.

1)    NISHANT SRIRAM (21 years old)

Background

The parents and families of children with special needs go through a lot of stress and anxiety in bringing up their children. Dr Roma Kumar, a Senior Consultant in Clinical Psychology, discusses various issues that these parents have to tackle on an almost everyday basis and possible solutions.

Parents of Vinamra, who has mild autism disorder, always made it a point to remember that their son can lead a happy, fulfilled life if they channelized his energies well. Mother Rima Ved recounts how she and her husband tirelessly prepared their son for adulthood and independence.