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The Boy Who Speaks Without Words

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Disclaimer: Sharing personal stories of meet cute encounters with differently abled children from my regular life. Stepping Beyond Labels: A Different Conversation Today Today, I find myself moving slightly away from autism to share something different—but just as important. It’s a story about communication, about being heard in ways that don’t always fit the world’s expectations. It’s about a child whose words aren’t spoken but are just as powerful, and how, in learning to listen to him, I’ve come to see communication in a whole new light. Sometimes, understanding isn’t about the words we say—it’s about the connections we choose to make. The Boy Who Speaks Without Words Every morning, as I step out for a walk with my dog, the streets slowly come to life. The tea stalls begin their rhythmic clatter, shop shutters roll open, and the occasional cyclist wobbles past. But what I look forward to most is a little gang of children gathered in a narrow gully, waiting—not for me exactly, but fo...
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Neurodiversity Stories from India: Janak’s Journey with Autism and Substance Use

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Disclaimer: This article is written with consent, research, and the lived experiences of Mr. Janak, an autistic individual. Mention of substance use. Understanding Autism Beyond Childhood In India, discussions around autism often center on children, creating the misconception that autism diminishes in adulthood. However, autistic adults continue to face unique challenges, navigating a world that frequently misunderstands or overlooks their needs. One of the lesser-discussed issues is the increased risk of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many turn to substances such as alcohol or cannabis to cope with social anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and the pressures of masking their true selves. Through the Neurodiversity Stories from India series, we aim to share the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals—highlighting the challenges of growing up and living as an autistic or ADHD adult, the impact of societal stigma and neglect, and ...
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Hasee Toh Phasee: Did Bollywood Unknowingly Portray Autism?

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Disclaimer: Article written based on research & lived experiences as a late diagnosed AuDHD woman.  Bollywood, Autism & The Search for Representation When I was first diagnosed as autistic, first thing I did was diving into researching autistic representation in media—being the movie and media enthusiast that I am. I wasn’t looking for the usual stereotypical portrayals like the ones in Rain Man and Barfi—the ones that only showcase individuals on the more severe end of the spectrum. I wanted to find characters that truly reflected the vastness of autism, including those who mask so well that their struggles often go unnoticed. Like many autistic individuals, I notice things others might overlook. However, even when I understand why someone is behaving a certain way, I rarely speak up about it. Years of masking have conditioned me to stay quiet, especially when I notice things people aren’t ready to accept. Many times, what I observe makes others uncomfortable or defensive,...
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Autism and Health: The Unspoken Battles Beyond the Brain

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Disclaimer: Article written based on research & lived experiences as an AuDHD woman. Experiencing the physical health issues mentioned below does not necessarily indicate autism. However, research suggests that autistic individuals are more prone to these health concerns compared to the general population. Beyond the Stereotypes: A Wider Range of Health Vulnerabilities Reflecting on our first “Neurodiversity Stories from India” series, one recurring theme became painfully clear: long-term physical health conditions persisting into adulthood are all too common for individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed autism. These challenges aren’t isolated to the realm of mental health alone—they extend into every corner of our physical well-being. In my own journey and in the stories shared by many in our community, the reality is that the physical toll of neurodivergence can often be as debilitating as the cognitive or behavioral aspects. Today, we delve into the hidden health risks that man...
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Neurodiversity Stories from India Series : Aakanksha’s Journey

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Disclaimer: Article written with consent, research & lived experiences as an AuDHD woman. An Introduction to the Series Neurodivergent individuals in India have long existed in the shadows—misunderstood, overlooked, and often forced to mask their true selves to fit into societal norms. While conversations around mental health have started gaining traction, neurodiversity—a concept that recognizes and respects neurological differences as part of human diversity—remains largely ignored. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive variations. However, many fail to recognize that neurological differences and mental health conditions are deeply interconnected. Without proper understanding and support, undiagnosed neurodivergent individuals often develop secondary mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and paranoid personality disorder (PPD). Yet, the root ...
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The System is Broken—And I’m Not Afraid to Say It

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Disclaimer: Article written based on research & lived experiences as a late diagnosed AuDHD woman. What If Things Had Been Different? If our neurodivergence had been recognized earlier, if our strengths and challenges had been understood instead of dismissed, how different would our lives have been? Would we have struggled so much with deciding what career path to take? Would we have wasted years trying to fit into expectations that were never meant for us? If someone had guided us based on how our brain actually worked, instead of how they assumed it should, would we have found our paths sooner, with less pain and confusion at? These are not just passing thoughts. They are questions that play in my mind, especially in the quiet moments when I am not working—when there’s nothing to distract me from the weight of what I have endured. The reality is, like many others, I grew up in a world that wasn’t designed for neurodiverse minds. A world where our curiosity is seen as defiance, ou...
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Life Undiagnosed: When Gender Bias Hides Neurodiversity

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Disclaimer: Article written based on research & lived experiences as a late diagnosed AuDHD woman. Judged by the cover & left to struggle in silence. The way autism is understood and diagnosed has always been flawed, but one of the biggest issues is the oversimplification of its spectrum. While earlier versions of diagnostic criteria's were only male centric, the revised DSM-5 merged different diagnoses—like Asperger’s, classic autism, and PDD-NOS—into one term, “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), erasing crucial distinctions. While the change may have made diagnosis easier for professionals, it created a system that often fails to recognize the vastly different needs of autistic individuals. People making these decisions rarely consider how they impact those of us who actually live with these neurological differences. Clubbing varying support needs under one umbrella has led to many people—especially low to moderate support requiring individuals—slipping through the cracks. ...
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