Author: Drina Fernandes| October 27th 2022
Hi, I am Drina Fernandes. I would be working as a Parent advisor at Sethu. I am an accountant by profession but more than that I am a single parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum. Living and parenting a child with special needs for 18 long years was nothing less than a roller coaster ride. Running from one therapy to another, dealing with a meltdown in the middle of nowhere, finding the right school, and breaking my head explaining about the disability to family, friends, and neighbours. I have gone through all this and perhaps for this reason I would be able to connect to the parents on a similar journey in a better way.
Being a Goan by origin, speaking Konkani comes naturally to me so those parents comfortable conversing in Konkani can always approach me with their concerns and I would be more than happy to help them.
I have always been a strong advocate for inclusive education and initiated a resource room in a mainstream school. I have worked closely with my son’s teachers and therapists and would love to work with children with special needs.
Looking back I have realised that the challenges I faced have made me a better person than I would otherwise be. Swimming is something I would not even try if not learned it with my son. And today if I can drive like a pro, all thanks to the therapies I had to juggle. I also have a little collection of healthy recipes and I love to cook and bake.
I take a little time from my busy schedule and do yoga and sometimes cycling as a part of my fitness regime. Listening to soft music is what I do when my morale is down.
Fifteen years ago my son was diagnosed with ASD at Sethu and I would get him therapies here. Working with Sethu today is like a dream come true. I am truly honoured and blessed to work with a team that is so dedicated and passionate about the work they do. Looking forward to working together with the team to help and empower those lovely families whose children are special in their own way.
Parents are welcome to reach out to me [email protected] or [email protected]– we welcome feedback and suggestions on Sethu’s current services and how together we can help provide new and researched based services for our children and timely necessary support for parents.