Autism and Parenting

Last year, during my son’s assessment, the assessor asked him to write a few words. Later, he told me my son didn’t know counting from 1–50 or how to identify alphabets. I was shocked — because my son does know them! When I saw the paper, I noticed: • “One” ✅ correct • “Two” ✅ correct • “Three” ❌ written as “THRW” I asked the therapist, “What’s the spelling of three?” He replied, “T H R double...

As parents, our most vital role is not to mold our children into who we think they should be—but to discover who they already are. ✨ Each child comes into this world with a unique blend of strengths, talents, and natural curiosities. When we take the time to truly observe, listen, and nurture those gifts, we empower them to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and creatively. 🔍 Spot the...

Before the world hurts them, some children are already bleeding—at home. #toughlove   #parenting   #breakthecycle   #traumahealing   #bully   #parent

Have you ever noticed how Disney characters hug kids? They don’t let go first. They just keep hugging… Until the child is done. Because sometimes, a child doesn’t need words. They need time… Arms that stay wrapped around them… A heart that doesn’t rush the moment. So the next time your child hugs you— Don’t pat their back too quickly. Don’t pull away to get back to the next task. Just hold on. Let...

Today, while coloring with my niece, I began outlining a monkey in brown—almost instinctively. She paused, looked at me, and said, “Big dadda, it’s your monkey. You don’t have to color it all brown. Use any color.” That statement struck me hard. How often do we live our lives coloring within lines drawn by others, bound by ideas that aren’t really rules—just norms we’ve silently accepted? I realiz...

Lately, I’ve noticed something subtle yet profound. My son has started looking into my eyes after doing something—like playing in water after a shower—as if asking, ‘Is this okay?’ It’s not just about play anymore. It’s about seeking connection, approval, and understanding. To me, this is a milestone—one of emotional regulation, awareness, and a growing bond that words can’t fully capture. It remi...

Being a single parent to a special child is not a journey I chose, but it’s one I walk with strength, love, and resilience. 💙 It’s not easy — not yesterday, not today, and probably not tomorrow either. But I’ve learned the power of showing up… of continuing. And I’ve learned that asking for help doesn’t make me weak — it makes me human. Because no child needs a perfect parent. They just need one...

You can’t awaken someone who’s pretending to sleep. And you can’t lull a child who’s already asleep. Parenting isn’t in the easy moments—it’s in sitting beside your child when they’re restless, overwhelmed, or simply not okay. Not to fix, not to control, but to be with them in their storm. That’s the real test. #parenting   #parents   #parents   #parenthood   #test   #patience   #patiencetest   #a...

From New Tastes to New Words… 🗣️✨ My son was non-verbal until recently, and like many parents of special children, I clung to every small gesture, every sound, every attempt to communicate. Since January, we made some mindful changes to his diet—not just healthier food, but richer sensory experiences. We introduced new flavors, textures, spices, and even slightly tangy and aromatic combinations....

Not every parent chooses to share their child’s diagnosis publicly — and I respect that. But for me, staying silent felt heavier than speaking up. Yes, my child is autistic. And no, I don’t feel ashamed. I feel proud — of who he is, of how far we’ve come, and of the love that defines our journey. I understand that many parents may not be comfortable sharing this part of their life online. That’s o...

Sometimes, we stop trying—not because we’ve given up, but because we’ve been conditioned to believe our efforts won’t matter. This is what learned helplessness feels like for many special needs parents. We see other parents celebrating milestones—first words, school achievements, birthday parties filled with typical laughter—and somewhere deep within, a quiet voice whispers, “That’s not for you.”...

Someone recently asked me — do I always stay positive? Do I never worry about my son’s future? The truth is, I am human too. There are moments of fear, anxiety, and doubt. And that’s okay. But what keeps me going is the belief that change begins with me. My consistent efforts, my hope, my advocacy — they will shape a better world for my son. As parents and caregivers, we carry a responsibility not...

A recent viral video of a special educator misbehaving with a child shook me deeply. It took me back to when my son was just 2.5 years old, and we were looking for therapy support. A therapist visited us, assessed my child, and confidently said he could start sessions. But then he added something that left me stunned—“At times, I might need to manhandle him.” That one sentence was enough for me to...

Have you ever walked into a showroom filled with TVs—each screen playing something different, all on full brightness, full contrast, and full volume? It’s overwhelming, right? Your brain struggles to focus on any one thing. That’s sensory overload. Or imagine if every radio station started playing on the same frequency—a chaotic mix of sounds with no way to filter or tune out. That’s what sensory...

Why I chose a special school for my child? As a parent to a special child, I often get asked why I didn’t opt for an inclusive school—especially since I actively advocate for inclusion. Here’s my honest answer: 1. Limited Support in Inclusive Schools Most inclusive schools offer a special educator for just 30 minutes to an hour a day. Beyond that, our children spend time with neurotypical peers an...

When parents or caregivers work with children, especially those with special needs, their primary objective is to help the child learn new skills and gain independence. This includes teaching the child how to eat on their own or try new foods, which can significantly support their growth and development. However, it is not uncommon for parents to lose patience during this process, especially when...

Khudi ko kar buland itna…” — We’ve all heard this saying, but have you ever wondered how life would be if it unfolded exactly as you desired? Would you still value the little joys, the struggles that shaped you, or the lessons that made you stronger? Life’s unpredictability is what makes it meaningful. If everything had gone as planned, would you have truly grown? I look at my son and realize—if h...

Raywnsh had his first day outing with school—a mix of emotions, from being settled to moments of discomfort and tears. And that’s okay! New experiences come with all kinds of feelings, and as parents, it’s important to give our children these opportunities to grow. I truly appreciate how the school prioritized safety, ensuring a good student-to-teacher ratio with attentive coaches. It reassures me...

Today, Raywnsh went on his first-ever school picnic—without me. Dropping him off at school every day is one thing, but this is different. For the first time, he’s spending an entire day out with his teachers and coaches, exploring the world on his own terms. While I’m proud, I can’t deny the nervousness and anxiety that come with it. What will he eat? How will he react? Will he be okay? These ques...

Before our trip, I had so many questions running through my mind—how would Rewansh react to a new country, a new environment, and so many unfamiliar experiences? Change has always been a big deal for him. But what I witnessed on this journey left me amazed. One of my biggest concerns was his food habits—limited to a few semisolid options. But thanks to my sister-in-law’s encouragement, we tried in...

A travel can be difficult with kids and when it comes to special children, the parents need to prepare additionally. As soon as I booked my tickets, I was concerned about the long flight for Rewansh. I did some homework to prepare things that may meet his needs. - I prepared some ready to eat oats by roasting it a bit and then grinding it, - kept few packets of ready to eat khichdi, - kept cold mi...

A big step for us! I’ve enrolled Raywnsh in a new school designed specifically for special kids, and I’m so happy with the approach they follow. What makes this school special? ✅ It’s not just a school but also a training center for therapists. Each trainee therapist is assigned to a child on a rotational basis, helping them learn while developing social skills through different interactions. ✅...

"Your attitude defines your altitude" is a powerful reminder for parents of special needs children that how you approach life's challenges can profoundly shape your journey and your child's development. Raising a child with special needs often involves unique obstacles, but maintaining a positive, patient, and resilient attitude can empower both you and your child to rise above difficulties. Your...

Traveling from Delhi to Austin with my son has always been a journey which was concerning but it became easy and also filled with love, preparation, and a dash of adventure! 🌏✈️ This time was no different—I packed all his essentials like food and milk to ensure he was comfortable throughout the long journey. Also packed his notebooks and colors to keep him busy. I also considered taking his table...

Trust is a two-way street, especially for parents of special kids. 💙 While we often talk about being in our children’s trust circle, have we paused to ask: Do we truly trust them too? Our kids’ circles of trust are smaller—often limited to parents and siblings. But as parents, we sometimes dismiss their actions or feelings as tantrums or patterns, forgetting to see things from their perspective....