Aromatherapy Inhaler Tubes

Diwali is a festival of pure magic: the warmth of the diyas, the stunning colours of the clothes, and the rich smell of spices and mithai. But in an autism household, that beautiful celebration often comes with an intensity that can feel overwhelming.

If your family is anything like ours, you know that Diwali isn't just bright - it's blindingly bright and painfully loud. While everyone else is revelling in the sound and fury, we're working hard to make sure our loved ones just get through the holiday.

The Auditory Overload Challenge

Forget cheerful crackles; the sound of Diwali is a full-scale, non-stop auditory assault. It's the relentless bombardment of firecrackers and rockets that feel less like celebration and more like a surprise attack, shattering any hope of calm. It's the cacophony of loud, excited chatter from a crowded room, where all the voices blend into a single, high-pitched static.

We tried something new this year and I wanted to share it with all my readers. Though we tried aromatherapy earlier, we experimented a little this year when I came across this amazing new find - empty nasal inhaler tunes ( Amazon India Link ). We added a few drops from our essential oil kit and we have a set of 15 inhalers now with different essential oils. It is fast acting as every deep inhale calms down the racing heart and overwhelmed brain and will hopefully help us survive this Diwali and the icing on the cake - we end up smelling great 😊

So, here's to all the families hiding in blanket forts, wearing their best noise-cancelling headphones, and taking necessary deep breaths. May your space feel safe, may your loved one feel peaceful, and may you find a little pocket of peace in the midst of the glorious Diwali chaos. Shubh Deepawali. May the true light of the festival shine gently on you!

Empowering Voices - Meet Aayush Ganjoo

 

Dear readers, thanks for joining us for the insightful interviews in the Empowering Voices series that feature the lived experiences of Indian speaking autistics. Today, Mr. Aayush Ganjoo is our guest and has shared his journey of navigating the autism spectrum. Getting to know him over the course of this interview, I am repeatedly reminded of the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henry, that resonates deeply with the life of Aayush and his view of life.

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

Invictus by William Ernest Henry

                      Welcome to My World

1Q) Please introduce yourselves to our readers.

Hi I am Aayush Ganjoo, I’m 22 years old and I recently graduated from FLAME University in Pune, with a degree in International Studies and Public Policy. I am an adult on the autism spectrum and I was diagnosed at the age of 3.

2Q) Please share your hobbies and interests/passions with us. 

I like weightlifting, drawing, reading, watching movies, and cooking. Exercise helps me feel less restless throughout the day and improves my sleep quality, drawing helps me relax after a stressful or overwhelming day by giving me a task I can hyperfocus on and tune out the rest of the world with. Reading is always fun because I love learning about new things and an interesting story is always fun hence why I like cinema as well. And at last cooking is fun for similar reasons that drawing is but it also comes with the added bonus of getting to eat something that tastes good.

3Q) How do you cope when you’re having a bad day..

I cope by engaging with my hobbies and de-stressing and de-escalating the negative feelings I may have, be it frustration, stress, anger, or sadness. It’s better to have a healthy outlet for these feelings otherwise it’s easy to fall into self destructive or outwardly destructive behaviours like engaging in unhealthy habits or taking out your anger and frustration on others.

4Q) What are glimmers in your life? (Glimmers are tiny micro moments of joy - fleeting, everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, gratitude, calm, peace, safety, or goodwill)

I like spending time on my hobbies, looking at things people have sent me on my phone, eating a good meal, relaxing on my bed after a long day.

 

5Q) When did you realise that you are autistic..

I realised rather early that I was different from the other children around me prior to going to a special school and usually through observation I could tell people treated me differently or observed me in a different way compared to neurotypical children. While I did not know the words to communicate this idea or really fully understand it myself from a young age, I had a certain awareness of it. When I was about 8 years old, my mother started a training program with UMMEED and prepared me that she would be home only by 7 pm every day for some time, so she would not be home when I returned from school. That's when she explained to me about autism and that I am on the spectrum. 

                      Education and Workplace Experiences

1Q) What are your experiences in school/college… What challenges do you face..

Initially time management and living by myself was difficult, it was hard to stay within that optimal bandwidth of learning in such a dynamic environment so often my “productive hours” were quite low in the week, id struggle to enter the “zone” so to speak where I was able to learn and work productively but slowly I learnt how to autoregulate and prime myself to be in a more conducive zone in my emotion and focus to be able to learn and work more effectively.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

I find having more structured routine and sticking to good habits like a healthy sleep schedule, good diet, and regular exercise made autoregulation far easier for me.

3Q) What accommodations ( physical or changes in the mindset of people around you) would help you thrive in this scenario?

For classes or work a quiet environment helps me focus a lot. Usually if it's also empty or only has a few people it gets even easier to focus.  Outside of this I usually do not need much accommodation. I work best by myself. I can work on collaborative projects but that’s usually only good for the phases where discussion is required, else if it’s solo work I much prefer to be alone when I do it.

                           Sensory Challenges

1Q) Please share your sensory world with us.  

I feel at least now my sensory world is not that atypical though I still have an aversion to loud, crowded and cluttered environments but outside of that I’m usually fine with any stimuli I come across in between. I think early on OT really helped. There are days where I am more or less sensitive to stimuli such as the feeling of many things on my skin or to sound and light and smells but I find nowadays I’m usually at an equilibrium with my environment.

2Q) How does it affect your daily life?

I usually have to be conscious and more attentive to how plans may play out in order to avoid certain situations that can make me feel uncomfortable hence why I would  say I’m probably a lot less spontaneous than the average person. I take things into account before doing anything that could make me come across scenarios where I’m overstimulated. It has probably impacted my social life because I have avoided gatherings or seeing certain people to avoid overstimulation making me a little less outgoing.

3Q)  What accommodations  physical or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive..

If people could take these factors into account when planning anything involving me it would make my life easier but ultimately as an adult one is responsible for themselves and so the ultimate onus of my own wellbeing falls on myself.

                         

             Communication Challenges

1Q) How different is your communication style from the Neurotypicals and how does it affect your daily interactions.. 

I find I often have to be very clear with my speech if I want something done to my liking, even when I talk to friends and family I find if I don’t explain myself fully there may be room to be misinterpreted. I often do the same on the receiving end as well where I ask again for clarity and ask for people to elaborate things for me. Often if things aren't explained clearly or explained in euphemism I may have a tendency to misinterpret them. I do not use the other forms of communication much apart from speech as I’m not too good at picking up on the nonverbal cues of other people and myself do not exhibit too many nonverbal cues. 

Stress makes communication difficult. I often shut down and sulk if I'm too stressed, i will take a day or two to myself before returning to prior levels of communication in such circumstances. If my social battery drains while in the company of many people I politely take leave and spend some time by myself.

2Q) How do you cope with this challenge..

I explain my needs in communication to people I will be speaking to often and ask that they respect those needs, more often than not people are understanding when it's explained gently and not as a confrontation. I am not aggressive when I communicate with people but neither am I passive, I take the more assertive route to get my point across without hurting the general sensibilities of others. All of my friends and family know how I am with communication and are quite understanding of when I want to disengage from it.

3Q)  What accommodations would help you thrive..

Having a nice quiet space I can retreat too if communication becomes too overwhelming, to give me time to cool down. Having people around me being aware and understanding of my needs, getting time and space to explain myself to others, all of these are accommodations that would help.

 

                      Relationships

1Q) What do you look for in your relationships? ( friends/family/colleagues/partners)

What challenges have you faced in your relationships..

I choose the people I spend time with wisely, if they are not to my liking I don’t hold too many qualms in distancing myself from them. I look for people who are understanding, empathetic, intelligent, and responsible. These traits lend themselves to a good friend in general, not just a good friend for me or any other autistic person. I feel people should seek such friends regardless of any conditions since such friends are good for everyone and these qualities overlap universally.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

I do not force myself to make friends with people. I have come to a realisation that while socialising is great it can't be at the expense of one's own wellbeing. If the people you are trying to be friends with do not respect you or care for you and think about you then it is better off to have no friends at all. I am selective with who I let into my life and that's mostly how I deal with the challenges of socialising.

3Q)  What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive..

If people were more aware and understanding of neurodiversity particularly autism it would greatly help the perceptions that they have of those different from them in society. It would help me as more people would be more understanding of what I am asking of them and be able to deliver that to me better. Most of the prejudice of the world comes from ignorance and thus education is one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting it. Educating the public on neurodiversity will make the world a far more accommodating place for neurodiverse individuals and help everyone thrive.

                            Bullying

1Q) Have you faced bullying in school/college/workplace? Would you like to share a few details with us..

When I was younger I used to face a lot of bullying. Children are very observant and notice when things and people are different from the norm, they have a tendency to pick apart those differences and be harsh towards them. I do not think it comes from a place of genuine malice rather in them flexing their newly developed social muscles. The bullies of childhood often are children who are lashing out from being bullied by someone else and in their case that bullying comes from a much more dangerous place (turbulent household, older children, bad environment) so I hope they are all doing fine now. As I grew older the bullying started to decrease and ceased entirely as I became an adult.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

In my childhood I did not have much of a coping mechanism for this. I would lash out quite a bit and have meltdowns which would result in more bullying and shame, but over time I learnt to distance myself from situations where I would face ridicule or bullying. Over time you learn that being assertive and strong in one's convictions is more than enough to ward off most bullies who are in essence looking for the softest target they can find. Having some mental hardness and thick skin is sufficient.

3Q)  What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive..

The problem of bullying is a holistic one as I mentioned earlier. The bully more often than not is bullying themselves and perpetuating that violence or harassment they experienced as a way of reclaiming their own pride. Educating children from a young age about the harm bullying can cause as well as on neurodiversity and all of the possible ways and conditions with which people live can help to build more understanding in children and in adults.

           

                       Masking

1Q) Have you ever had to mask to look neurotypical? Please share your experiences..

Yes, I have had to mask to appear neurotypical in various settings, especially in social situations or formal environments. This often involved suppressing stims, forcing eye contact, or mimicking the conversational styles of others to fit in. Masking helped me navigate environments where being “different” might have led to misunderstanding or exclusion. However, it was exhausting and often left me feeling disconnected from my authentic self.

2Q) What challenges have you faced because of masking..

Masking can be emotionally and physically draining. It often led to burnout because maintaining the façade of being neurotypical took a significant mental toll. There were also moments of frustration when I felt misunderstood because I wasn't expressing myself authentically. Over time, it created a sense of isolation, as I felt like I couldn’t fully be myself with others.

3Q) When did you decide to unmask and how was the experience..

I started unmasking gradually during my university years when I realized the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. It was liberating but also challenging, as I worried about how others would perceive me. Thankfully, most people were supportive, and I found that being open about my neurodivergence helped build stronger, more genuine connections.

4Q) What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive..

Creating environments where differences are not only accepted but celebrated would make unmasking easier. Encouraging open conversations about neurodiversity, being patient, and avoiding assumptions about how someone should behave can create a more supportive atmosphere.

      

                  Executive Functioning Challenges

1Q) What executive functioning challenges ( adaptable thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory, time management, and organising) have you faced and how does it affect your life?

I’ve faced difficulties with time management, planning, and staying organized. These challenges often made it harder to meet deadlines or maintain a consistent routine. On some days, it felt overwhelming to start tasks, even when I knew they were important.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

I rely on structured routines, visual schedules, and setting small, achievable goals to stay on track. Using reminders and alarms also helps me manage my time better. Exercise, proper sleep, and breaks are essential to maintaining focus and reducing stress.

3Q) What accommodations ( physical or changes in the mindset of people around you) would help you thrive..

Having understanding people around me who give clear, concise instructions and allow flexibility in deadlines when possible is helpful. Tools like task management software or visual aids can also provide additional support.

                           Social life

1Q) What challenges have you faced in your social life..

Socializing can sometimes be overwhelming due to sensory challenges or miscommunication. There have been instances where I’ve struggled to pick up on social cues or maintain energy in group settings. This has sometimes led to misunderstandings or feelings of exclusion.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

I focus on building meaningful, one-on-one connections and setting boundaries when needed. Taking breaks to recharge and being transparent with close friends about my needs helps a lot.

3Q) What accommodations  or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive..

Patience and understanding go a long way. When people are aware of my social preferences and respect my need for space or downtime, it makes interactions more enjoyable and less stressful.

                             Comorbidities

1Q) Please share what comorbidities have you faced..

I’ve dealt with anxiety, which often stems from sensory overload or the pressure to meet expectations. There have also been moments of difficulty identifying or expressing emotion

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

Practices like mindfulness, therapy, and exercise have been instrumental in managing anxiety. Working on my art or reading helps me process emotions, and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals makes challenges feel less overwhelming.

3Q) What accommodations  or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive..

Providing a calm, structured environment and encouraging open, non-judgmental communication would help. Greater awareness of how anxiety can affect behavior would foster understanding and reduce unnecessary pressure.

               Towards a better tomorrow

1Q) Please share your message to parents of autistic children in how they can create a nurturing environment at home.

Create an environment that values acceptance and understanding over conformity. Celebrate your child’s strengths and interests, and provide them with tools to navigate their challenges. Encourage open communication and advocate for their needs in educational and social settings.

2Q) Please share your message to therapists on how they can include neurodiversity affirming practices in their approach.

Shift the focus from “fixing” to supporting. Work collaboratively with autistic individuals to understand their goals and preferences. Respect their unique way of experiencing the world, and use strategies that empower them rather than pressuring them to mask or conform.

3Q) Please share your thoughts on how we can work towards an inclusive and neurodiversity friendly society.

Education is key. Promote awareness about neurodiversity from an early age, encouraging empathy and understanding. Advocate for inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Celebrate diversity as a strength, and ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.

Thanks dear Aayush for sharing your journey and insights with us. God bless you, may all your dreams come true!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the guest in this interview are their own independent opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host and owner of the blog. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion and seek professional advice where necessary.

Empowering Voices - Meet Siddhanth Palaparti

 Dear reader, come join me in the latest interview in the immensely popular -  Empowering Voices series, that introduces us to Indian speaking autistics as they share their journey and insights. Today, we meet Mr. Siddhanth Palaparti. Getting to know him in the course of the interview, this is the poem that comes to my mind: Happiness uplifts me by Also Krass.

  Happiness Uplifts Me

Happiness uplifts me

Happiness fills my heart, my mind, and my soul

Happiness gives me the strength I need

Happiness is a good feeling that enters my mind each day

Happiness takes my sadness away

Happiness fills my eyes with joy

Happiness makes me excited and thrilled

Happiness warms my heart and soul each day

Happiness gives me a sense of relief each day

Happiness welcomes me each morning when I get up

Happiness can be seen in my eyes.

Poem by Aldo Krass

 

          Welcome to my world

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers..

Hi, I am Siddhanth Palaparti. I live in Hyderabad with

 my parents. Presently I am interning in an IT Company. 

I also volunteer for NGOs with my graphic designing.

2. Please share about your hobbies and interests 

or passions with us..

My hobbies are playing music on the keyboard, cycling

 and swimming. I play Hindi film songs on the keyboard.

Music gives me immense happiness. I turn to music when 

I am feeling happy or sad. I love to remember everyone’s 

birthday and wish him/her for it. Almost everyday, I wish 

someone known to me through phone call, text message 

or voice message.

I can also do calendar calculations. I can tell day of the 

week if the date is known. This helps me to break the ice 

when interacting with new people.

3. How do you cope when you are having a bad day..

By praying to the Divine Mother of Pondicherry.

I bounce on the therapy ball and do stretching exercises.

When I was small, I used to colour with crayons. Now I listen

 to peppy songs to uplift my mood.

4.What are glimmers in your life..

I like to search for pictures of Sri Annai and Aurobindo, 

Balaji, Ganesha, Shiva and Hanuman on the internet 

and also for new devotional songs. Sometimes, I like 

to search for film songs of the same tune in different 

languages. I feel happy whenever I think of someone’s

birthday. The clothes that I choose to wear daily makes 

me happy.

From my childhood days till today, I look forward to my 

evening outing everyday. I love watching KBC live. I also 

feel happy whenever I remember the outings and get 

togethers I enjoyed in the past with my friends or cousins.

5.When did you realize that you have autism..

Right from my childhood, I have been part of activities and 

events for individuals with autism. So the buzz was always 

around me. I used to participate in Autism Awareness drives

with my parents and family friends from the support group. 

At that age when I was around 8- 9, I used to think people 

with autism wear white half sleeve t-shirts and go for walks. 

In my teens when I went to the Municipal Hospital for 

assessment for autism and got accommodations for my 

exams, I started realizing more about my autism, my

 sensory issues in particular.

           Education Experiences

1. What are your experiences in school/college..

School days were good. There were many field trips and 

group activities. I loved going to school by school bus. 

I have a lasting friendship with Karan, Amit & Somnath.

 They were my classmates and bus friends too. I used to 

feel happy when the recess bell would ring.

My school was very supportive. I used to find it difficult to 

cope with changes - we had changing teachers and students 

would be shuffled every year. So in every academic year I 

had reduced timings in the beginning which would be gradually increased as the year progressed. I got opportunities to 

participate in many activities and events such as reading

 news in school assembly, Spell bee contests, picnics, 

Annual Sports Day and Annual Cultural Day. I can never 

forget my two Principals - Asha Damle Ma’am and

 Manisha Arondekar Ma’am and my teachers and

 Resource room counsellors - Vidya Miss, Indrani

Miss, Mayuri Miss, Shefali Miss, Sheetal Miss, Darshik 

Sir, Alok Sir, Minal Ma’am and Neha Ma’am.

From my Xth grade onwards, I was allowed to give my

 exams on the computer as handwriting was always an 

issue.

I did XIIth grade from NIOS and BCA from YCMOU.

 I used to do my computer practicals in

Keerthi Computers. I had fewer friends then. Sachin 

Sir was very encouraging.

The lockdown during the pandemic of Covid - 19 opened 

the doors for online learning. I have done many courses 

and internships remotely.

2. What accommodations would help you thrive..

Written instructions, visuals, predictable schedules and 

breaks.

          Sensory Challenges 

1.Please share your sensory world with us.

My auditory senses are very sharp. I can hear a person’s 

footsteps when he is approaching our home even before 

he rings the doorbell.

When it comes to food, I don’t like the strong aroma of 

bananas, fresh coriander or curds.I also had tactile issues 

with soft and sticky textures. For a long time I used to eat 

rice with spoon though I had no issues in eating Idli, Dosa

 or Chapati with hand. From around 11 years

of age, I started eating rice with hand.

I also found it challenging to trim my nails. My mother 

used to trim them when I was fast asleep. Again around 

11 years of age, one day I decided that from a certain date, 

I would trim my nails on my own with a nail cutter. Ever

since it is a part of my Sunday morning routine.

When I sleep, I like to draw the curtains and put a pillow 

over my eyes because I am sensitive to streetlights.

I can recognize pain in the ear or a mouth ulcer and I try 

to address it immediately.

             Communication Challenges

1. How different is your communication style from the Neurotypicals and how does it affect your daily 

interactions?

I give short replies. I cannot explain in detail about the work 

I do. Many times I find it challenging to raise my voice and

 speak in online sessions. If I am asked questions

repeatedly, I freeze even if I know the answer.

I prefer to type in the chat box in online sessions. I am 

more comfortable texting than speaking on the phone.

2. How do you cope with this challenge..

I try to improve my listening and conversation skills by 

speaking more on the phone with people I know and by 

listening to podcasts.

If I don’t understand something, I ask people to repeat 

and to speak to me slowly.

3. What accommodations ( physical or changes in the 

mindset of people around you) would help you thrive?

When others speak freely to me, I find it easier to share my 

feelings with them. When their tone is kind and friendly, I feel comfortable.

             Relationships

1. What do you look for in your relationships? What 

challenges  have you faced in your relationships?

I like to have fun moments with my friends and cousins. I 

used to play Holi with my building friends in Mumbai. Now 

in my online weekly hangout with friends, we play word 

games and sing songs. I enjoy being in get - togethers with 

friends and relatives.

I feel happy in surroundings where I can be myself. With 

peers I like to be part of the team in group activities.

I like to talk to people. I look for trust and respect in all my relationships.

Regarding challenges, sometimes I wish that people around 

me can understand that what is very easy for them may be 

a challenge for me - e.g. closing a packet with a rubber band. 

I do it but not well. I am still trying to get better at it.

2. How do you cope with these challenges..

Sometimes I ask for help . Sometimes,I avoid doing it and 

look for alternatives like using a clip to close a packet.

3. What accommodations or changes in the mindset of 

people will help you thrive?

An encouraging environment helps me to learn many new

 things.

Any new skill introduced to me organically in a given 

situation makes me feel less self- conscious and more open

 to learning. If I start feeling that there are many demands, I

may withdraw and stop trying.

                 Bullying

1. Have you ever faced bullying..

When I was in grade 6, while commuting in the school bus

 one boy from another division used to come and sit next 

to me. He would talk gibberish and ask me to repeat. 

I could not realize that he was making fun of me. A girl in 

the 9th grade would ask me to come and sit near her. 

This happened for 2 - 3 days.

When I shared this with my mother at home, she explained

 to me that it is a kind of bullying.

Next day when he came to me, I told him ‘You’re a bully’. 

He did not understand the meaning of the word and went 

away with a puzzled look. A few days later, he was passing

below our home with my friend Somnath. I showed him to 

my mother and we called them up. He was curious to see me

 in my home and came up. I offered them coffee and biscuits

and we chatted nicely for a while. We made no mention of the

 bus incident. He did not tease me afterwards.

2. What accommodations or changes in the mindset 

of people around you  would help you thrive?

Individuals with autism are very sensitive. We may not 

speak much but we can listen and understand. Sometimes 

people comment about us in front of us and it hurts.

               Masking

1. Have you ever had to mask in front of others and 

would you like to share the experience with us..

On rare occasions, I mask in front of strangers. I am not 

comfortable revealing about my autism to them because 

many do not understand.

          Executive Functioning Challenges

1. What executive functioning challenges ( adaptable 

thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working 

memory, time management, and organising) have you 

faced. How does it affect your life?

I feel a bit anxious about change in schedule. Although I love travelling, when a trip is first proposed to me, I feel a little 

worried. A little prep helps me and then I enjoy the process.

I have a very good long - term memory. I have to keep working 

on myself to ignore thoughts which keep coming in my mind

 and to focus on the present. I am more self - driven in my

areas of interest and routines.

2. How do you cope with it..

Whenever I am anxious, I ask a lot of questions and seek 

clarifications.

I try to apply all that I have learnt from various sources. 

In my daily routine, I allocate time for a little exercise, 

meditation videos and prayers. Using priority planners 

helps me to plan my day.

3. What accommodations would help you thrive?

I like quieter surroundings and happy faces around me. 

Visuals, videos and written instructions help me learn 

new skills.

                    Social Life

1. What challenges have you faced in your social

 life..

While speaking to strangers, sometimes they do not 

understand me because I speak very fast. Sometimes

 it is difficult for me to be assertive or to ask for help.

2. How do you cope with these challenges..

I try to practise slow rate of speech.

In any social gathering, I try to look around for people 

I know to ask for help.

3. What accommodations or changes in the mindset 

of people around you would help you thrive?

If those who know me talk with me more, I can get better 

in my social interactions. Many times my neighbours or 

distant relatives do not speak to me beyond greetings. If 

they take the initiative to start conversations, I can sustain

 more in my interactions. There are a few people who are 

extroverts. I get on with them well. There are some elderly 

relatives who are very caring and talk to me gently and with

 lot of affection. I can maintain longer conversations with

 them.

            Co-morbidities

1. Please share what co-morbidities have you faced 

and how did you cope with these challenges..

I had sleep issues in my late - teens. Indulging in physical 

activities and meditation have helped me.

          Towards a Better Tomorrow

1. Please share your message to parents of autistic 

children in how they can create a nurturing environment 

at home.

Create an environment where the child will get lot of happiness

 by interacting with people.

Create opportunities for get togethers like birthday parties, 

playing board games and going out to parks with friends. Make 

learning fun and interesting. I learnt counting in my activities

- 30 bicycle rounds, 10 turns on slide and so on. I learnt count 

of 10 (1+9,2+8,3+7 and so on..)on the slide. When I would 

take 10 turns on the slide in the park, after each turn I would

say, how many are over and how many are remaining e.g.

(1 is over, 9 are remaining and so on…)

Encourage the children to explore many activities and share 

their creative work with everyone at home.

2. Please share your message to therapists on how they 

can include neurodiversity affirming practices in their 

approach.

Therapists can make learning interesting through games and

 fun activities. My interest in train rides was used by my 

therapist to overcome my fear of going on the scooterboard.

So special interests can be an advantage.

Therapists can focus on identifying the strengths of 

neurodiverse children and using it to help them to 

overcome their challenges.

3. Please share your thoughts on how we can 

work  towards an inclusive and neurodiversity 

friendly society.

There should be more options for neurodiverse 

individuals to study and work. There must be more

 opportunities for neurodiverse individuals for participating

 in all social activities by making use of their strengths. 

Having more visual signboards in  public places will be

 neurodiversity friendly. I am personally 

attracted to scrolls on display systems.

Thank you dear Siddhanth for sharing your journey and 

insights with us. God bless you, may all your dreams 

come true!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the guest in this interview are their own independent opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host and owner of the blog. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion and seek professional advice where necessary.

Empowering Voices - Meet Ananth Raghunandan

Welcome back to another interview in our Empowering Voices series that gives us an indepth look into the lived experiences of Indian speaking autistics. In today's interview, we meet, Mr. Ananth Raghunandan who shares his love for natya and his life journey with us. His love for natya reminded me of this poem - Dance an Art! by Geetha Jayakumar

                                     Dance an Art!

Dance is an art so beautifully played

Where the artist speaks silently through

All emotions of anger, pain, hatred and love.

Every rhythmic movements of her body

Flows along with the music.

It's the musical movements of the body

Where one touches the heart and soul.

Each rhythmic steps carries a deep and beautiful meaning.

Each Movements are like the sweet breeze flowing In rhythms

Each steps are like as if mingling with drizzling rains.

Dance has no boundaries

Flowing along with many tributaries

It's like the vast ocean

Where each forms are its precious gems

Each rivulets are its rhythmic movements.

Each waves are its beautiful movements.

Sweet fragrance are its emotions

Drizzling rains are its bountiful movements.

Thundering and lightening are its music

Humming bees, chirping birds are its music of love.

Tide, storms are its music of pain and anger.

Each sun rays are its powerful moments.

Each sweet breeze are its musical movements.

Dance is the Gestures, Music, Emotions and Rhythmic bodily moments.

Poem by Geeta Jayakumar

                      

                           Welcome to My World

1Q) Please introduce yourself to our readers. 

My name is Ananth. I am a dancer, theater artist, a blogger, and coder. I enjoy traveling, watching performances, and spending time with my family. 

2Q) Please share your hobbies and interests/passions with us.  

I have been learning Bharatanatyam for over 10 years. Bharatanatyam has been my passion for more than a decade. I completed my Bharatanatyam arangetram under the guidance of Professor Mohanan of Kalakshetra, My new passion is storytelling.  I became interested in storytelling when I started Bharatanatyam classes with Sri Ujwal Jagadeesh, Senior Faculty and Artiste at the Ramana Maharshi Center for Learning.  

This passion has led to our project on Natya for All.  Dance is not only for neurotypicals.  When Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, founder of Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) suggested dance for me, we were surprised.  Later, I discovered that natya helps me in many ways.  Three ways in which natya helps me:

1)   improves flexibility and movements,

2)   relaxation and stress management, and

3)   whole-body communication. 

Visit our website softer.lifesmart.com  Learning Softer Together is a set of choices we have made over the years as a result of our experiences. Over theyears, we have discovered that healthy daily rhythms that blend calming and energixing activities are the key to family fun and learning. Learning Softer Together is based on this key learning. Reacting to stress does not work for me. I am working on building in practices for rest and recharge throughout the day. Learning Softer Together includes many other practices to reduce stress, enhance nervous system harmony and to enhance enjoyment and learning. Follow @ananthsadventures on Instagram for daily reels and other resources.  We want to encourage parents and professionals to explore Indian theater arts with ND children, teens, and adults.  You can also follow us on @familyfunandlearning on Youtube. 

I call my journey A Journey to Bharat through Natya. It is a journey of connecting more deeply through Indian culture through natya. Natya includes five tools: 1) Movement and Dance, 2) Music and Rhythm 3) Storytelling, 4) Drama, and 5) Arts and Crafts. I enjoy exploring all these tools of natya. I started as a Bharatanatyam student, but since coming to Ramana Sunrita Aalaya, I started exploring drama. I performed the roles of Rama, Krishna, and Swami Vivekananda. I am a student ambassador for Theatre arts For Holistic Development (TAHD) and RASA.   

Recently, I was given the STAR (Special Talent at RASA) award. See the announcement at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEOn06QPRMx/

3Q) How do you cope when you’re having a bad day..

I listen to chants.  I go on walks. I do laundry and other chores. When I was young, I used to fold paper plates and paper circles using the Whole movement approach.

4Q) What are glimmers in your life? (Glimmers are tiny micro moments of joy - fleeting, everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, gratitude, calm, peace, safety, or goodwill)

Meeting people, cooking, eating with family, dancing, listening to stories, completing small projects, and interacting with pets makes me feel good.  Being out in sunshine and walking in nature make me feel good.  Natya provides many micro moments of joy throughout the day.

5Q) When did you realise that you are autistic..

I realised I was autistic when I was 12.  Then, I realised that I am good at some things whereas other things are very hard for me. I am very sensitive to sounds and react to them. Thus, ordinary experiences such as walking on the road can be hard for me. While I look forward to celebrations, balloons in birthday celebrations and crackers on Diwali day continue to bother me.

 

 Education and Workplace Experiences

1Q) What are your experiences in school/college… What challenges do you face.. 

In my kindergarten in public school, students had to sit at the desk most of the day doing work that was not very interesting to me. After I started homeschooling, I could start my day with a morning walk. I got a lot of movement throughout the day. When I was young, I did not sleep well at night, and I was not able to concentrate the whole day.  Sleep disturbance was one reason that I preferred homeschool. If I did not sleep well, I could at least move around, take breaks, and work at my own pace. In addition to walks, I also played twister. I enjoyed riding on the scooter, and other movement games in the porch. I also used to do little activities like setting the table to take a break from desk work.  I started sleeping better after I started the HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) program. My sleep continued to improve with MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration). One of the biggest gifts of natya is that now I sleep well at night.  

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

Movement continues to be relaxing for me and I don’t like sitting down for long stretches of time.  I have movement breaks throughout the day. I also have to be careful about food because eating the right foods and movement help me sleep better at night. 

3Q) What accommodations ( physical or changes in the mindset of people around you) would help you thrive in this scenario?

Being able to move is important for me. If I am allowed to have movement breaks then I can work better.  For example, I get up and walk around a few times during my coding class.

                   Sensory Challenges

1Q) Please share your sensory world with us. 

•   I am very sensitive to sounds and react to them.

•   Often, I am unable to express my feelings. 

2Q) How does it affect your daily life..

I am very sensitive to sounds and react to them. Thus, ordinary experiences such as walking on the road can be hard for me. While I look forward to celebrations, balloons in birthday celebrations and crackers on Diwali day continue to bother me.

Often, I am unable to express my feelings.  Recently, there is a significant improvement in my interoceptive awareness and expression.  I have been learning Bharatanatyam for over 10 years. While this experience helped, now my dance experience also combines Ramana Maharshi teachings and practices.  For example, I listen to Ramanasramam chants daily.  I also go for self-inquiry meditation daily. Together, these experiences have helped me identify and express feelings better now. 

3Q)  What accommodations ( physical or changes in the mindset of people) around you would help you thrive..

I use earplugs when I am in noisy environments.  I like to go to calm and quiet places for socializing.  For example, I enjoy events at the Ramana Shrine.

                         Communication Challenges

1Q) How different is your communication style from the Neurotypicals and how does it affect your daily interactions..

I have special interests such as tall buildings, attire etc.  I am more interested in talking about such topics.  I also had difficulty expressing what I was experiencing.  Hence, I would talk more about facts and my interests. Recently,  I am able to express ideas and feelings more clearly.  I am evolving my communication style over time. 

2Q) How do you cope with this challenge..

I talk more to my family because I can talk about my special interests. 

3Q)  What accommodations would help you thrive?

I try to engage others in topics of interest to me.  I am also developing my skills so I can communicate better with NTs.  Theatre arts has provided me with a way to engage my family and community. 

                             Relationships

1Q) What do you look for in your relationships with  friends/family/colleagues/partners

What challenges have you faced in your relationships?

Common interests are important.  For example, I am interested in dance, Indian culture, and travel.  It is easier for me to interact with people who have such interests. Family members, colleagues, and others may not have similar interests.  I like calm people who talk in a soft voice. 

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

Theater arts has opened many doors.  Ramana Sunrita Aaalya (RASA) and Ramana Maharshi Center for Learning (RMCL) provide many opportunities to socialise in a calm environment.  I enjoy going to the Ramana Shrine and RMCL events and interacting with people.  I have my Youtube channel (Ananth’s Adventures).  I am also doing a series of videos (Fun with Hastas) for the RASA web channel.  These experiences help me interact with others.  Recently, my uncle asked me to do more videos as he enjoys watching them.  My aunts and other family members also watch my videos.  I also use theatre activities to engage my 3 year-old nephew.  We interact well because of children’s songs and stories that my mother and I share with him. 

3Q)  What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive?

Performing is a way of interacting for me.  I have performed dances and narrated stories for my relatives and the community for the last three years.  I think some people are beginning to recognise theatre is a form of interaction for me.  I also like to go on long walks.  For example, it is easier for me to interact when we go out together. I enjoy going to celebrations.  My uncle and aunt invite me for celebrations in their community.  For example, I attended the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in their community recently. 

I also love travelling.  Recently, I went to Tiruvannamalai with my dance teacher and mentor, Ujwal Jagadeesh, his friend, and my uncle and aunt.  We had a wonderful time visiting the ashram, listening to chants, doing the 14 km girivalam, hiking to Skandashram, and eating in different places.  There are many ways in which I enjoy spending time with family and others. 

                             Bullying

Q) Have you faced bullying in school/college/workplace.. Please share a few details

I have not experienced bullying because I am homeschooled.  Now, I am involved in organisations that are supportive of neurodivergent individuals.

                                Masking

1Q) Have you ever had to mask to look neurotypical? Please share your experiences..

I have some unique interests (e.g., tall buildings, environment, different types of attire). So I am quiet in social settings. When I was younger, I would talk about these interests more freely.  Now, I only talk about my special interests with my mother and a few family members. 

2Q) What challenges have you faced because of masking..

I have to remember not to talk about these topics in front of other people. But since I was homeschooled, I have not faced as much difficulty with masking.

3Q) What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive..

I would like other people to talk to me about my interests. I can also try to talk about topics that interest others but it would be helpful if I can talk about my interests with others too.

       Executive Functioning Challenges

1Q) What executive functioning challenges ( adaptable thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory, time management, and organising) have you faced and how does it affect your life..

I have faced many executive functioning challenges.  However, consistent and sustained work with motor and other skills has developed my executive functioning skills.  Bharatanatyam and other theatre experiences help develop executive functioning skills. Because when I play a role I have to consider the stage, other characters, and many other elements.  

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

I continuously improve my executive functioning skills through theatre arts as well through calming practices.  It is not a big area of challenge now.

                             Social life

1Q) What challenges have you faced in your social life..

Problems in social life arise from sensory challenges.  I enjoy birthday parties and enjoy theatre shows.  But auditory and visual stimulation are overwhelming for me. 

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

The Six Ss (Smile Brightly and Dance, Silence, Soothing chants, Storytelling, Self-inquiry and Surrender) are six key elements of my daily rhythms.  I cannot cope with these challenges in experiences unless we have daily rhythms that support my nervous system. 

3Q) What accommodations  or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive..

If people think about environments, experiences, and interactions, they will realise that noisy environments distract and overwhelm me.  I enjoy socialising but prefer calm environments.  Many of my family members are aware of these challenges.  For example, my sister-in-law Sherry got tickets for Sound bath experiences in London as she realises that I prefer such experiences more at this time.

                          Comorbidities

1Q) Please do share about what comorbidities have you faced..

Stress, anxiety, and alexithymia are all challenges that I have faced.  I think these relate to interoception.  One story my mother tells me is that when I was in a daycare, a boy bit me.  I just stood there and did not respond until the teacher pulled me away.  On another occasion, I was very upset when a therapist made me run because to me higher heart rate meant anxiety. 

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges.. 

After I started  Bharatanatyam, interoception improved.  

It has improved significantly after my Ramana Maharshi experience.  My guru, Sri Ujwal Jagadeesh, integrates Ramana teachings in my dance class.  When I went to Tiruvannamalai, I heard the Tamil Parayana chanting. These chants stopped the thoughts in my head and made me feel very peaceful. The chants helped me break the tired but wired pattern.  When I was tired, I used to surf but that me more wound up and tired. Now, I listen to the chants several times a day. 

We have arrived at a point where I include calming activities throughout the day.  We discovered the Six Ss that we now use as the foundation of daily rhythms.

-   Smile Brightly and Dance

-   Silence

-   Soothing chants

-   Storytelling

-   Self-inquiry meditation

-   Surrender

3Q) What accommodations  or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive..

People with autism experience emotions and want to socialise like any other person.  We may have many sensitivities, get overwhelmed, and can have trouble expressing ourselves. 

                   Towards a better tomorrow

1Q) Please share your message to parents of autistic children in how they can create a nurturing environment at home..

They can create a nurturing environment at home by not giving them high work loads. They can create environments that are calming.  The message to parents is about remediating or addressing the child’s challenges.  While we need support in some areas, parents should also focus on environments, experiences, and interactions.  There are many factors that influence a neurodivergent learner’s ability to learn and grow. 

2Q) Please share your message to therapists on how they can include neurodiversity affirming practices in their approach..

Theater Arts for Holistic Development (TAHD) by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar shows how we can create neurodiversity affirming environments and experiences in a systematic way.  My mother and I are both TAHD ambassadors.  We hope to share information for parents, artists, and others on neurodiversity affirming practices. 

3Q) Please share your thoughts on how we can work towards an inclusive and neurodiversity friendly society.. 

In my experience, changing the mindset from fixing the individual’s challenges to creating the right environments and experiences for every learner at their point of learning is the most important shift.  The situation may be getting better now but when I was growing up, the focus was primarily on remediating challenges.  I was fortunate that I was homeschooled in an environment that was right for me.  

Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, Founder and Director of RASA says: 

“The word 'inclusion' suggests something or someone was left out before. In the TAHD way, we focus on enjoying artistic unity rather than excluding others, making deliberate inclusion efforts unnecessary.” 

Now, most of my experiences are with Ramana Sunrita Aalaya (RASA), Ramana Maharshi Center for Learning (RMCL), and HashHackCode (HHC). The work of these organizations provides many insights into how we can work towards an inclusive and neurodiversity friendly society.

I hope reading this interview has been as insightful and uplifting  for you as it was for me. God bless you dear Ananth, may all your dreams come true!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the guest in this interview are their own independent opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host and owner of the blog. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion and seek professional advice where necessary.

Empowering Voices - Meet Samiksha Nair

Welcome back to the next interview in the Empowering Voices series that gives an in-depth look into lived experience of Indian speaking autistics. Today, we meet a charming young woman - Samiksha Nair. Her love for music reminded me of this poem by Jbizzy.   

                  Music travels all around my body

Now I can say it's living right through me.

Listening to music puts me in a good mood;

It makes me want to stand up and start to groove.

Music can make me forget all of my pain.

It brings out the sun when I can only see the rain.

I put on my headphones and play all of my songs.

I could listen to it all day long.

Music takes me to another place,

Higher than the sky and far away from the space.

There's nothing to compare to it in the whole world.

It wouldn't even be better than my favorite girl.

Music can teach you many lessons,

Like stand up for your rights and all the good reasons.

I know there are people who think the same way

Because they know music lives in us every day.

                                        Poem By Jbizzy 

                      

                      Welcome to My World

1Q) Please introduce yourselves to our readers.

I am Samiksha Nair, a 22 year old.I have Autism.

2Q) Please share your hobbies and interests/passions with us. 

My hobbies are watching movies( especially starring Leonardo Di Caprio and recently the Dark Knight trilogy),singing, dancing and painting.

Listening to music helps me relax. Infact when I was studying for my Grade 12 exams I would listen to music on my headset and study.

I have recently discovered new interests - painting and dancing . Both help me relax.

3Q) How do you cope when you’re having a bad day..

I watch scenes from my favourite movies. I also carry pictures of my favourite stars with me.This makes me feel they are there with me.

I also talk to my close friends and my mom when I have a bad day.This helps me.

I also self talk. This helps me to cope with my feelings.

4Q) What are glimmers in your life? (Glimmers are tiny micro moments of joy - fleeting, everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, gratitude, calm, peace, safety, or goodwill)

I enjoy festivals and social gatherings with my family and friends and look forward to it.

Spending time with my friends at the Center and our funny talks.

I chant daily and that helps me stay happy and calm and grateful.

Learning new things brings joy. Eg The recent Graphics course at my center.

5Q) When did you realise that you are autistic? If you’re a late diagnosed autistic, please write about life before diagnosis and how it changed once you knew you’re autistic.

I can’t really remember but I think it was when I entered my teens. I faced many challenges in school, faced bullying,had behaviour issues.

My anxiety increased during this time and I had difficulty coping.

            Education and Workplace Experiences

1Q) What are your experiences in school/college… What challenges do you face..

Academics was a huge challenge for me, especially Maths.I couldn’t cope with it and shifted many schools due to this. Finally it was in a Special school that had empathetic qualified teachers that I blossomed and successfully completed Grade 10.

Grade 12 I did through Home schooling. I had very good teachers who not only taught me the subject but made it fun too.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

Any challenges I face I talk to my mom, some of my teachers and my friends who understand me. Together we have been able to find solution to these challenges.

3Q) What accommodations ( physical or changes in the mindset of people around you) would help you thrive in this scenario?

If teachers were more kind and understanding it would have helped reduce my stress and anxiety and then I can handle the situation better. I had some teachers who were hard on me and even punished me.It made my school experience stressful.

                Sensory Challenges

1Q) Please share your sensory world with us. 

Loud noises like fire crackers scare me.My ears hurt a lot. Diwali night is a nightmare.

People shouting and fighting also scares me. I start panicking.

2Q) How does it affect your daily life..

 I go into a panic mode and feel overwhelmed.  It spills on to the rest of the day and I am unable to focus on tasks.

3Q) What accommodations, physical or changes in the mind-set of people around you would help you thrive?

If people stop bursting crackers it would really help.

Also if people are mindful to not shout and scream in Public places it would be good.

          Communication Challenges

1Q) How different is your communication style from the Neurotypicals and how does it affect your daily interactions..

I tend to talk more about my favourite movies and characters and all people may not like it since it is not of their interest.

I cannot do typical peer talk like girls my age so I am left out of their groups.

I am more comfortable with younger children and Senior citizens who like talking to me.

2Q) How do you cope with this challenge..

I have started to ask people about their interests.I have stopped talking in between a conversation and wait for people to finish what they are talking.This is helping me interact better.

3Q) What accommodations would help you thrive..

Sometimes elders ask me not to keep talking about the same thing again and again.

It would help if they understand this is my way of communicating and coping too and let me be as I am.

                  Relationships

1Q) What do you look for in your relationships? ( friends/family/colleagues/partners)

What challenges have you faced in your relationships..

I look for kindness and understanding and people with similar interests as me.

Some people are impatient and not understanding of the challenges I face.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges?

I listen to music to calm down.I talk to my mom and express what I feel.

3Q) What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you would help you thrive..

If they could let me be me and not try to change me.

                 Bullying

1Q) Have you faced bullying in school/college/workplace? Please share a few details..

Yes, during school days. In my society where I lived children made fun of me, teased me,took my comfort things to upset me and see my meltdowns.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

I talked to my mom and she spoke to some of the kids . Later on I as grew up I stood up for myself and didn’t let the bullies bother me.I ignored them.

3Q) What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive?

Awareness about Autism and the challenges it brings about would help people be more understanding and refrain from such behaviour.

         Executive Functioning Challenges

1Q) What executive functioning challenges ( adaptable thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory, time management, and organising) have you faced and how does it affect your life..

I face challenges in Planning, self-control and organising.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

By enhancing my skills.I have been learning Daily Living Skills and Advance Functional Skills which has helped.

                   Social life

1Q) What challenges have you faced in your social life..

Peer friendships have been a challenge.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

I have some close friends who are older to me and understand me.I cherish these friendships.

             Comorbidities

1Q) Please do share about what comorbidities have you faced..

I have faced lots of anxiety issues which has led to meltdowns, obsessions which are probably a coping mechanism and behavioural issues.

2Q) How do you cope with these challenges..

By carrying my comfort along with me.

Listening to music after a stressful day.

Painting,dancing,meeting friends , chatting with friends all help.

3Q) What accommodations or changes in the mindset of people around you, would help you thrive?

Not to be too demanding and be patient.

          Towards a better tomorrow

1Q) Please share your message to parents of autistic children in how they can create a nurturing environment at home..

Be kind and understanding of their challenges.Don’t pressurize for academic achievements.

Find out what they like,focus on their strengths rather than weaknesses and motivate them to work towards their goal.

Be loving and compassionate and do not discuss them in front of others.Respect them.

2Q) Please share your message to therapists on how they can include neurodiversity affirming practices in their approach..

Don’t be hard on the children. Every child is different. Understand the child and then do what works best for them.

Understand the child’s learning methods and then work.

Be very patient.

3Q) Please share your thoughts on how we can work towards an inclusive and neurodiversity friendly society..

During social activities like festivals and other functions make everyone feel welcome. Let the neurodiverse be contributing members of the society. Don’t leave them out.

Don’t bully or make fun of them.

Don’t use the tag ‘Special needs’..that leads to segregation.

           Thank you dear Samiksha for sharing your journey and insights with us. God bless you, and may all your dreams come true!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the guest in this interview are their own independent opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host and owner of the blog. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion and seek professional advice where necessary.