We Are Not In Any Race

The First Blow of Victory

We remember that evening around 6 years ago, when you picked up the whistle and blew a soft sound, and we got thrilled and almost danced because we had been teaching him to blow since months. And he achieved. And mumma knew she didn’t have to blow his birthday candles again.

Tiny Triumphs, Huge Joys

This and many more tiny autism milestones were celebrated like we had won some trophies. And the day when you softly whispered in my ear ‘mummy’ while I was sleeping, the feelings and sense of achievement can’t be expressed in words here. (However, I am yet to hear ‘mummy’ again.)

Every Gesture Counts

Similarly, when he jumped, matched, waved a Hi or bye, gave a social smile, or spurted a word once in a while, we feel we will do anything and everything for these achievements, which were our goals once upon a time.

Lessons from Autism

Autism has taught us to appreciate and celebrate the smallest milestones in life.

Our 5KM Run: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

Today, while we began our 5KM run, we were excited and so elated. I was feeling so grateful that he cooperated. We ran a little and walked a little and dragged a little. Shreedhar’s face was so happy that none of the photographers missed taking a picture.

However, when we were just 400 meters from the finish line, he lost his cool. Sat down. Lied down. Couldn’t pull him up. He suddenly became so strong. And I hardly had anyone close to me.

Some very kind volunteers tried to calm him. And I thought there was a cloud burst over me. Then suddenly a lady called up someone who came on a bike, made him sit on it, and he took us till 40 meters before the finishing line.

He said: “I can help you only till here, but you have to run to the finishing line on your own.”

He was my Saviour for today. Will always remember this.

A Cheerful Finish

When we reached the finishing line, all applauded us as if we were the winners. Shreedhar became cheerful and excited again.

So we keep meeting such Saviors while crossing rough patches.

Hope on the Horizon

Awareness is coming…
Inclusion will come…
Milestones will be achieved…
Differences will be embraced…

Kids/Adults with autism can understand tones more than words.
They have emotions too.
They are very transparent with that.

They don’t like sympathy.
They need empathy.

They don’t like stares.
They sense the vibes of people and places.

They can learn the things that they want to learn.
They can’t manipulate.
They can’t lie.

If they smile, they are happy.
If they are upset, they show it.
They understand love and acceptance.
You can’t pretend with them.
They understand genuineness.

Comfort in Acceptance

They can be very comfortable even with strangers who accept them.

Daily Battles and Silent Wars

While we, parents, are fighting a battle each day, they are at war with themselves.