Anjali Barretto and Mallika Lewis, our Speech and Language Therapists, were at Radio Indigo on April 10 for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation on neurodiversity and ‘embracing the difference’ with Ayesha Barretto. This was part of a weekly series that will air in April, observed as World Autism Month.
Anjali and Mallika shed light on the neurodiversity umbrella that includes a range of conditions. Sharing practical examples, they spoke about how, although some brains are more alike than others, every brain is wired differently. Being neurodiversity affirming involves adopting strategies and tools that help autistic and other neurodiverse individuals to not only survive but thrive in an environment that isn’t usually built for them.
Forced to fit into a world that doesn’t understand or accept them as they are, neurodivergent people are frequently forced to ‘mask’ or behave in ways considered socially appropriate or endure bullying, taunting or rejection. Having to do this all the time with no safe space to be themselves takes a heavy and lasting toll on mental health and self-esteem and can lead to exhaustion and burnout. We need to move away from the ableism that rejects human differences and tries to ‘normalise’ people, and accept alternative forms of communication, instead of forcing speech on those who communicate differently. Everyone benefits when we value, respect and embrace individual differences instead of approaching them as deficits that must be cured or fixed.
Join our Family Advisors Rebecca Manari and Drina Fernandes, and parents from our Family Support Group as they discuss their experiences next week. Call in with your questions! We’re here to answer!
Radio Indigo, 91.9 FM this April. Stay tuned for updates on the next session.