“I Got Autisam”

When our three-year-old daughter Susie* was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder our whole world came crashing down. We didn’t want anyone to know that she was not ‘normal’. It took a couple of months for us to realise that she was normal, just different. Armed with this realisation, we shared …

Happy Republic Day, India!

At our inclusive creche, where we welcome, nurture and celebrate children of all abilities, we celebrated India’s 74th Republic Day with our children, parents and staff in the play area. Patriotic songs played in the background as the invitees marvelled at the tricolour balloons and whiteboards decorated specially for the …

Purple Fest: India Going Inclusive

Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity, the only event of its kind in India, was held at the Entertainment Society of Goa complex, in Panjim, January 6—8, 2023. The unique festival of inclusion was organised by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare …

When Brushing Teeth Feels Like Pulling Teeth

When we brush our own teeth we know how hard or soft to brush, where we feel sensitivity, how to miss the gums etc. To have someone else shove the toothbrush into your mouth and brush your teeth without you controlling it, can be really discomforting especially to a child …

Learning to Communicate with Apps and More

My seven-year old son Izaan has autism and intellectual disability, and is non-verbal. He’d throw things or push chairs to indicate that he was hungry, tired or sleepy. He had few words and little eye contact. Izaan’s speech therapy at Sethu began by focusing on extending his sitting time and …