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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 26 August 2018
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

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, he likes nature, music and travel. He is a bronze medalist in cycling at the Special Olympics Bharat.

Nivriti Sriram, 17 is in Grade 12 and is a voracious reader. She loves animals, music and travel. Both love food and cooking and baking.

Akila Vaidyanathan, their mother conducted this interview with Nishant using AAC. He responded using the 'Clicker docs' on the iPad. She started by showing Nishant the photo below and started the stream of questions 

Akila - who is this with you in the photo
Nishant – Nivi (Nivriti)
Akila - What do you feel about her? 
Nishant - Love my baby
Akila - She isn’t a baby..
Nishant - She is childish …brother ...she much younger than me…(I am the big brother, she is my kid sister)
Akila - What would you like to wish her on Raksha Bandhan
Nishant - My good wishes for your exam
Akila - Why does she need your wishes?
Nishant - She is anxious
Akila - How can you help
Nishant - Don’t worry…be cool

Above is a screen shot of his responses on "Clicker docs' on the iPad

Learn more about Nishant Sriram

Interview with Nivriti below:  

What activities do you enjoy together?

We bond over music and sometimes food…our food tastes are very different even though we both like food. We love being outdoors and going on trips and the Velvi festival together.

What was growing up together like? 

Growing up I never thought of him as any different…he was just a large creature who walked around me…who I wanted to play with…who I admired…and I still do. 

Do you get jealous that your brother/sister receives more attention?

I did get jealous as a kid when he got little more attention..but I always knew my parents loved both of us equally. As I grew older I talked with my mom and my dad and they explained to me that his needs are different and need a little more attention.

Share something about your special moments 

I think although he does not show it, he is a bit protective of me..because if I don’t come home before seven he gets a little anxious. When I have a sleep over I have to call up and tell him I’ll be okay.

What would you like to tell your brother

Nishu – you have made me more empathetic and patient than I could have ever been. Thank you for showing me that to be content, you just have to unapologetically be yourself. Love you forever.

The above pic is a Rakhi thali with rakhis hand woven by Nivriti. This one is made using rubber bands

Interview with Nivriti above is partly adapted from an earlier interview on ParentingAutismIndia Blog  

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