Neurodiversity Stories from India: Janak’s Journey with Autism and Substance Use

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 the urgent need for greater awareness, acceptance, and accessibility.

Our second story features Janak Doctor Gregory, 35, whose journey sheds light on the realities of a neurodivergent life intertwined with substance use.

A Glimpse into Janak’s Life

Janak was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Dyscalculia around the age of 17 or 18, during his junior college years. This diagnosis brought clarity, helping him navigate his education at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and later, his professional life. He expresses deep gratitude to the learning disabilities support faculty at St. Xavier’s, who provided him with much-needed guidance and assistance during his college days.

Growing up as an Anglo-Indian, Janak was raised in a blend of cultural influences. His father, a strict and no-nonsense Englishman from Wales, instilled in him a strong sense of justice and discipline. His mother, a Gujarati businesswoman from Rajkot, balanced the family dynamic with her calm and problem-solving approach. This unique cultural mix shaped Janak’s worldview and his strong reactions to injustices around him.

Despite having a diagnosis, Janak faced numerous daily struggles—weight management issues, afternoon fatigue, nervousness, and, at times, psychotic episodes. He attributes these episodes partly to lack of sleep and possibly to substance use. He recalls moments when he believed people were speaking ill of him, possibly linked to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)—a common experience among autistic individuals, amplifying feelings of rejection or criticism.

During his college years in both West Wales and Mumbai, Janak felt immense pressure to mask his true self to fit into social settings.

“ To fit in, in college in West Wales, Penarth, Glamorganshire, Wales, and also in Junior college, in St.Xavier's college, Mumbai, I had to mask and act cool in these scenarios to fit in.

This masking—where neurodivergent individuals suppress their natural behaviors to conform—often led to deep feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.

He also says :

“Men are expected to be very much more hardier then women, there have been days that I simply don't want to get out of bed, or go to the Gym, or Speak to anyone else, as I know I feel weak and vulnerable inside, but however, this behaviour is kind of not seen as normal for "Men" to exhibit, so I do as I please, I write long messages and statuses on WhatsApp, my close family always seems to understand...”

When asked if the current world makes him feel accommodated, he says:

“Possibly, Yes, Possibly, No, I would like to live the last years of my life in this Autism getaway or residential school in Austin, Texas which teaches lots and lots of Occupational therapy, for us Autistic people, perhaps my wife would be interested too, she is a slow learner as well...

Janak also expresses that though life has been difficult, he feels most understood by his wife, who resonates with his struggles as a slow learner herself.

Janak strongly advocates for basic autism awareness among the general public in India. In his words :

“Just a basic knowledge of Autism amongst the Khaate-Peete aam aadmi of India.”

He believes that love, care, attention, and good mentorship are far more crucial in supporting autistic individuals than relying solely on pharmacotherapy and psychiatry. Something I personally resonate with as well.

Reflecting on his journey, Janak acknowledges the challenges but also recognizes the value of finding mentors and a supportive community that offer guidance without judgment. To his younger self, he offers this message:

“Don’t worry; you were at some point bound to meet your autism mentor. It was just a question of when and where.”

Takeaways from Janak’s Story

Janak’s experiences highlight a deeper issue—substance abuse is often misunderstood as a reckless choice or a means to avoid responsibility. In reality, for many neurodivergent individuals, substance use can become their only perceived support in a society that lacks understanding and acceptance. This is not to justify the action, but every action is indeed a reaction influenced by underlying psychological causes that should be studied with care.

Substance use is not an act of defiance but a survival mechanism in a world that often does not make sense to neurodivergent individuals. Even those who manage to overcome illegal substance abuse may find themselves turning to legal substances, becoming heavy alcohol consumers or chain smokers as a different form of coping.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that autism does not end at 18. When autistic individuals are left to struggle alone, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Addiction—whether to substances, behaviors, or patterns—should be met with empathy and understanding rather than judgment, because no one willingly destroys their life unless they have been made to feel that survival is easier under the influence of addiction. In such cases, survival becomes the priority over truly living—and surviving takes immense mental strength.

As we continue to share these stories, we hope to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, where lives are viewed through diverse perspectives. It is essential to remember that no single narrative can fully explain a person’s struggles—every experience has a deeper underlying cause. Many neurodivergent individuals in India feel unsafe reaching out for help because they have been conditioned to do so.

We need a society where seeking support does not come with fear of judgment, but rather with the assurance of empathy, understanding, and real solutions.