An Indian mother's journey for her son with autism

Ritu Rassay

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My son Akshat, 6.5, is autistic and we came to know about his autism when he was 2. We live in a country (India) where resources are limited, limited to some of the big cities. My entire world came to a standstill when I got to know the difficulties a person could have with autism. Akshat was my first and only child and I decided his name before he was born. His name means complete, totality. Now, it seems I had kept a wrong name for my son as so much is incomplete in him.

Time went on. We searched for many autism treatments and got to know about a three-month mother/child training program. I decided to do it along with my son. As the training went on, I learnt about ABA and other therapy treatments. It was time when my son was 4 years old. Gradually, I got confidence and came to know that a ray of hope was there. I started working with my son and he started giving me responses. That was the first time I realized, “yes something can happen.” There were times when the whole day I kept crying but now I am “thinking positive.” Still there are doubts in my mind, but days are changed now.

Then, I again did another mother/child training. This time my son’s age was 6. My son responded much better than before. I am also a changed mom now. My thinking has totally changed. It is very much logical and scientific now. It’s like Autism has shown me a path to see life in a different way.

In our city, there’s a parents’ group for those with autistic children. After getting the training, with the support of the mothers of other children, I have started a small activity class keeping in view the needs of these children.

Today, I feel very self content that I am working with my son as well as helping to those who need such type of help.

My ambition in life is to make my son independent.

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