Diary

Zurica D'souza

Head, Marketing and Donor Relations

The theme for World Disability Day 2025 ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’ deeply resonates with me, both as a parent and as an advocate.

As a mother of twins with Williams Syndrome and on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned that parenting isn’t about fitting into a mould; it’s about understanding, adapting, and celebrating each child’s unique rhythm. For instance, one of my daughters likes doing things her own way and on her own terms, while her twin thrives on structure and routine, finding comfort in predictability. Their differences have taught me that there isn’t one “right” way to grow, learn, or express yourself. Every brain is different and those differences are not deficits but beautiful variations that make our world richer, more creative, and more compassionate. At first, I was overwhelmed with uncertainty about their future. But over time, I’ve realised my children didn’t need to be “fixed”; they needed to be accepted. And acceptance begins with understanding.

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Zurica D'souza

Head, Marketing and Donor Relations

This is the story of how a small centre in Goa became the guiding light our family needed. A story of hope, healing, and the quiet miracles that helped our twin neurodivergent girls grow brave and strong.

A gift from God, two tender stars
who shimmered a bit differently from afar.
Their gentle hearts, their quiet fears,
became my compass through the years.

I searched for answers, a hand to hold,
a place to be understood, not to be told.

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Zurica D'souza

Head, Marketing and Donor Relations

As a mother to twin neurodivergent girls, my journey into the world of neurodiversity has been both deeply personal and, over time, profoundly professional. What began as a desperate search for answers turned into a life-altering mission—one driven not only by love for my daughters but by the growing awareness that so many families like ours are quietly fighting the same battles, often in isolation.

For the past seventeen years, my husband and I have been raising our girls with Williams Syndrome, both of whom are also on the autism spectrum. It has been a journey filled with uncertainty, exhaustion, resilience, and deep humility. Back in Mumbai, I balanced the dual roles of mother and advertising professional in a high-pressure, fast-paced world. But eventually, I faced a decision that would change everything: I left my career to care for my daughters full-time.

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Tags: About Us

Prajakta Chavan

Family Advisor

As you all know, in the life of a parent to a neurodivergent child, the journey is never a straight line. I was busy navigating my son’s changing behaviours, and it reminded me once again that no matter how much I think I understand him, there will always be more to learn and more to uncover about who he truly is.

While my quest to understand him continues, I wanted to share an interesting story…

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Tags: Parenting

Andre Velho

Senior Autism Interventionist and Coordinator, Head - AATISH

At Sethu, a centre for child development and family guidance in Goa, we value ongoing professional development. One of our current priorities is to become more strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming.

Like many nonprofits, we face real constraints—trainings are expensive and time-consuming, and often only a few members can attend them. We wanted something different—something that would be low-cost, informal, and inclusive of our whole team. That’s how our book club began.

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Tags: Autism

Zurica D'souza

Head, Marketing and Donor Relations

Twenty years ago, six women sat around a table in Goa with a dream that felt bigger than themselves — to create a safe, welcoming space where children with developmental and behavioural needs, and their families, could find understanding, support, and dignity.

That dream became the Sethu Centre for Child Development and Family Guidance.

We began in 2005 with just three trustees, three staff members, and countless questions — but one unwavering purpose: to stand beside every child and every family, not with judgment, but with care. There were no maps to follow, only a compass of hope. No promises, only the courage to take the first step.

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Tags: About Us

Prajakta Chavan

Family Advisor

When I was pregnant, I often found myself dreaming in our house in Nasik, Maharashtra. Like every expectant mother, I pictured a perfect little world, my child, a reflection of my hopes, dreams, and even unfulfilled ambitions. I imagined their first words, first day at school, their laughter echoing through our home. I saw myself as the guiding light, doing everything in my power to shape their world. I was ready to give them the best of everything, love, opportunities, dreams, all perfectly wrapped up in the way I thought life should unfold.

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Tags: Autism