My Journey Beyond Autism by Avaneesh

In conversation with Avaneesh about his journey beyond autism.


Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Avaneesh. I am 12 years old. I am studying in Class 7 in a mainstream school. My mom is helping me as a shadow teacher at school from the beginning. I pre-learn all my subjects at home which helps me to learn easily in class.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Hobbies: Playing video games, watching cartoons, playing card games and board games.
Interests: I am interested in numbers, data analysis, chanting slogans, love to talk and share about my favorites to connect with people who love, understand and support me unconditionally. I love train journeys since childhood.

What are your future goals/plans/dreams?

Goal: I want to work in an IT company
Plan: I want to advocate for autistic kids and families
Dream: I want to act in films to spread autism awareness and acceptance.

How has your journey been so far?

I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 4. At that time, I was using single words for my needs, but found difficult to make meaningful communication. I was repeating the words and questions that were asked to me. I was finding it difficult to mingle with peers and understand social rules. I had a problem with my sleeping pattern and eating pattern which affected my health badly. I didn't like to go to crowded and public places due to my sensory needs and not able to wait for more than 10 minutes. I was always crying and sad as I was unable to communicate my needs, expressing pains and feelings.

After diagnosis, my parents helped me a lot positively. They took me to early intervention and gave multiple therapies. Apart from therapies, they worked a lot at home to improve my language and communication step by step with lots of visuals, videos and modeling consistently. I gained confidence once my communication improved upto the level of making sentences and started asking questions.

My mom taught me language, academics, ADLs, slogans, play and leisure skills, social skills and, most importantly, she connected with me as my buddy and best companion always. Instead of commenting, "working together" technique helped me a lot to learn many skills easily.

My dad helped me to learn swimming, cycling, navigating streets and maps around our house, teaching GK, piano, chess and computer skills. I know to work in MS - Office (Word, Paint, PPT and Excel), making videos in Windows Movie Maker and also uploading videos in my YouTube channel Avi is My Treasure beyond Autism.


What are the challenges you have faced in your journey?

I had faced lots of challenges in acceptance of my diagnosis. Except my parents, no one in the family and extended families accepted or understood my unique ability and no one talked to me, which hurt me a lot initially. But now I feel this universe is my family, and I love all people who love me unconditionally.

I had faced consistent challenges in school in getting admissions, accepting my mom as shadow teacher, real inclusion and not treating me equally. Only few teachers understood and supported me in a real sense. Neighbours are not educating their kids how to behave with me instead they expect me to act different than who I am.

What has helped you in your journey?

I never get demotivated with the negativity and non-acceptance around me. I am always curious to learn. I am hardworking and love to complete my tasks on time. I am good at giving "topical speech" so my parents encouraged me to participate in different talent shows in national and international platforms, where I got recognized as a "Confident Speaker". I have started spreading autism awareness through my speech and by sharing my journey articles. My parents presumed my competence at each level, and trained me with patience, which has helped me to reach this level.

What do you think would help people with special needs in their journey?

1. Isolation of special needs children and families should be punishable strongly as it is against humanity.
2. Real inclusion in family, school and employment opportunities must happen.
3. Government offices and public places should be made user friendly to special needs children and families (like less waiting time in any queues, sensory rooms in public places etc)
4. More awards and recongnition to motivate special children, families and who are supporting us genuinely.
5. Flexible working hours for special parents to take care of their children.

What message would you like to give to people with special needs?

"Never ever give up" should be our mantra and also believe that autistic/special needs children are not less than anyone in this universe. God created us for some beautiful purpose only.

What message would you like to give to family and friends of people with special needs?

Please don't compare your children with any kid. because everyone is unique. Autism is not a disease, so don't go behind the term "cure". We can be trained through various therapies and consistent training. Please follow evidence-based therapies only. Please don't complain about your children's behaviour or talk negatively in front of us as we are keen observers and process everything. Unconditional love, acceptance and understanding only help us and always be positive.

~ By Avaneesh (Avi)

7 Comments

  1. Thanks a lot Preeti dear for featuring Avaneesh journey and he always loves to be listened. Kids like Avi needs acceptance, understanding and to be listened without judgement. Hope they can build a better world for themselves soon by voicing and advocating through their sharing. Thanks once again on behalf of Avi and our family😍😍🙏🙏❤❤

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  2. Loved to read your journey once again my dear Avi❤. God bless you abundantly 🤗❤❤

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    1. Thank you so much dear for always encouraging and loving Avi unconditionally🥰🙏❤

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  3. It feels so good to read such stories... I feel thrilled, excited and motivated to pursue my journey with the same vigour. God bless you dear Avaneesh. Kudos to parents. You guys are inspiration to many.����

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind and positive words. We wish you all the love and power to your journey be filled with lots of love and sweet moments🙏🙏❤

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  4. Thank you so much for your kind and positive words. We wish your journey be filled with lots of love and strength along with sweet moments😍🙏🙏

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  5. Avaneesh's article is very inspiring. I am so proud of him as well as his parents who are a role model to all parents with special kids or not. All great inventors and scientists are all in the spectrum and I am sure Avaneesh will be there one day making a name for himself in the world! Until then I wish you and your family the very best.

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