The Art of Staring Back
If you are someone with Autism, or any other invisible disability, and communicate differently as compared to the average majority , you would understand what it feels like when you are on the receiving end of the ‘stare’- that quizzical…
The Art of Listening
Yes, everyone of course can hear because how we hear only reflects in truth that our ears are working. Hearing and listening really are vastly different in the actions involved. How one must listen is clearly dependent on the effort…
Asking Alexa for a Song Is Something We Do Every Day
“The same song again?” It’s a question many parents have asked at some point. But the answer might matter more than the song itself. A child discovers a song they love and suddenly it becomes the soundtrack of the house.…
To Express is to Live
Advocacy for better understanding and acceptance of autism, especially non-speaking autism, is one of my passions; and the biggest motivation behind my work as a Steering Committee Member of the Institute of Neurodiversity, ION, Global. This is a role that…
On Communication, Voting and Freedom
Often, we think that to speak is to communicate. Perhaps that is where the biggest mistake happens. If that were true, the people who lie to your face would never get caught. You communicate so much through your body –…
When the Symbol Changes in AAC, Meaning Changes Too
A child spends weeks learning that one symbol means “milk.” They recognize it at school, use it confidently, and remember exactly where to find it. Then they get home, reach for the same word, and discover that the symbol looks…