Personal Voices

Autism
Image Description: Nivriti on the right in a white kurta and red dupatta tying a rakhi on her autistic brother Nishant's wrist. Nishant is sitting and wearing a blue kurta. Looking over both of them is their father in a mustard kurta and grandmother in a blue sari
"Don't Worry ....Be Cool"
is the brotherly advice from Nishant to Nivriti. As part of the Raksha Bandhan series, the brother-sister duo of Nishant, a young autistic adult and Nivriti share what their relationship means to them  Nishant Sriram, 22 is an intern at AMAZE,…
Image description: On the left is Pranav an autistic young man in a red shirt, black hair and on the right is his older sister in a black dress talking of their relationship as siblings
"I Told Ma To Cut The Rakhi Because I Thought It Was Hurting"
As part of our Raksha Bandhan series, Pranav, 18, a young adult on the autism spectrum and his older sister Nikita, 22 reflect on their relationship and their times together - the fun times and the stressful times.  Nikita studied at Hindu…
Image Description of Linish Balan a man on the autism spectrum with black hair and a beard
Grasping Conversations Can Be Hell For Us
Linish Balan, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, gives us an insight into how individuals with autism face difficulties processing and grasping conversations and how his misunderstanding often lands him in comic predicament. Children who are neurotypical…
Image: Left to Right. On the Left is Harshita the mom in a red dress, in the center is Sahil in a pink T Shirt and the on the right is the father in a green shirt
We Changed Schools Again and Again To Give My Son Better Options
Changing schools is a difficult choice and one not made lightly. But 20 year old Sahil’s educational journey made him change 7 schools across 2 continents. His mother Harshita Mahajan talks about the marathon of bringing up a child with autism.…
Tanmay is a young adult on the autism spectrum and is wearing a black tshirt and a hat and sunglasses and sitting outdoors on a green chair
Managing the Double A - Autism and Adolescence
An autism dad’s honest story of managing adoloescence and puberty with a positive attitude. Journalist Bhanu Pande shares his experience of pro-actively preparing himself and his son for growth spurts and physical urges to raise him into a…
Image: Anirudh, autistic young man sitting in a checked shirt and sitting on a green sofa and a green background
"Parents: Do Not Judge Or Assume Your Child's Capability Without Trying."
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…
Image: Autistic adult Pranav in a suit with his mother in a red sari and gold border
"Give Feedback in a Polite Manner, Don't Criticize in Public"
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…
Image: Roshan Orko Roy sitting on a sofa
I Like It When People Share a Place With Everyone (Video Interview)
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…
Image: Adithya Venkatesh, autistic music prodigy in a red kurta on stage playing Carnatic music on his keyboard
I Want To Be A Big Musician (Audio Interview)
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…