Developmental Challenges

Anirudh Hattangadi is a 34 year old adult on the autism spectrum who works as an analyst, drives a four wheeler and exhorts autistic youth to learn and be bold. He also has advice for parents.  Tell us a bit about yourself. I am 34 years living in Bangalore with my parents.I was diagnosed with autism about 32 years ago when I was 2 and a half years old child . It was around then,when my parents noticed something strange in me. I studied class 10th in Karnataka state Board Bcom in IGNOU (…

Pranav Kumar Rajgopal lives on the Autism Spectrum and works as a Business Analyst. Read his interview with PatientsEngage and his wish for  #AutismAwareness. Don't miss his feedback on how to interact with autistic adults at work. Tell us a bit about yourself. I am Pranav Kumar R born in Trichy Tamil Nadu and grew up in Bangalore. I was diagnosed at the age of 6 years. I did my education in Normal School, did my PUC in Normal PU College, did my graduation and Post-Graduation in normal…

Roshan (Orko) Roy overcame his motor control challenges to become an acclaimed artist with his own unique style. His art enables him to earn a modest living despite a hampered formal education. He also conducts painting workshops for other children. #AutismAwarenessWeek Roshan (Orko) Roy’s achievement has been to overcome his biggest hurdle and make it his strength. He picked up art at a point in time when he could barely hold a pencil. Due to his autistic problems, his motor control was so…

Adithya Venkatesh, 18, from Bengaluru, is considered a music prodigy. He plays Carnatic music on the keyboard and remembers the notes of 100 Ragas. His parents share his journey and how music helps overcome autistic challenges and reinforces his confidence in other areas too.   Parents Vidhya and Rajesh tell us about Adithya Adithya was diagnosed with developmental delay when he was 2yrs 10 months. However, what was stark even when he was just 3 months old was his acute sense for music -…

Preksha Rajendra, 27, is on the autism spectrum, lives in Bengaluru, works as a developer, remembers car numbers and loves to run. Read PatientsEngage interview with her #AutismAwarenessWeek Preksha, tell us a bit about yourself.  I am Preksha, 27 years old diagnosed with autism when I was 4.5 years. Where did you study and grow up? I studied in Carmel school till standard 3. Later I studied in ATMASHAKTI Vidyalaya. I’m from Bengaluru and live with my mother and my doggy Buddy. Where do…

Pranav Bakhshi, 17 lives in New Delhi and has a diagnosis of Autism. In a video interview he shares his likes, his experience with photography, golf and his desire to walk the ramp. He talks of using music and his anxiety journal as a therapeutic aid. Don't miss the video interview #AutismAwarenessWeek Anupama Bakhshi shares her perspective on her son Pranav Pranav Bakhshi had a traumatic birth history and at two his speech regressed, leading to a diagnosis of ASD. There was no denial.…

Roshnee, 17, has autism and with the support of her family, she is learning to explore her potential in singing, painting and baking to lead a positive and productive life. Her grandfather Shishir Kant Misra shares her background and assists her in this interview. #AutismAwarenessWeek   Roshnee’s Background Roshnee is 17 years old. She is my granddaughter from my daughter's side. Her parents are both doctors. I am an Engineer from IIT Kharagpur. After a successful career in the corporate…

It is not common for people on the autism spectrum to live on their own, but Bharat Subramanian and Viraj Bhat have taken the bold decision to live independently. They talk out about their lives, work and wish for integration. #AutismAwarenessWeek2018   1)    Bharat Subramanian Tell us a bit about yourself. I am 25 years old. I was born in Tanjore District and brought up in Coimbatore.  I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 2+. I did my…

Don't know how to support a person on the autism spectrum? Melody Rain, an adult living on the autism spectrum shares tips and pointers on how to be supportive to someone with Autism. #AutismAwarenessWeek2018 Get to know what they are interested in. This helps with supporting them in conversations and allows them to talk and converse about their interests.    Find out and respect their comfort zones. Don't be pushy if the person doesn't like to be touched or hugged. Always ask…

In a heartfelt interview, Pranay Burde, 30, with Down syndrome, talks about his job and implores others of his community to come out of their shells and explore the world as people have become more receptive. You have received many national and international awards, including the President’s Award for ‘Best Employee’. How does it feel to be honoured at highest level? It feels wonderful to be honoured by the President of India himself. And I’m fortunate enough to receive awards from the…