‘If they can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.’

Breaking the Myth

People might relate autism to a kind of spectrum disorder, or a mental disability which can never be cured. The truth, however, isn’t that simple and conditional. It actually rests in breaking the much-hyped-myth which stifles all the families with autistic children.

The mother whose child calls her Maa for the first time in 5 years, the father who is elated to fulfill his daughter’s first-ever demand, the teacher whose heart swells with pride when her student completes the task all by himself, without any aid… Ask all these people, they’ll tell you what autism really means.

Autistic children are no different than others in any which way. They abide their own rules, in a world of their own, which is far more beautiful than ours. There are certain stereotypes that misguide people from learning the real situation of a person suffering with autism. For example, we might think that these people are violent, easily agitated, intellectually disabled and always inexpressive and emotionless. But in reality, they follow extreme order and a slight change in their surroundings makes them uncomfortable. We can also say that autistic children are unusual and have their own unique gifts and struggles, which makes them more adaptive to their daily routine. So much sometimes, that the slightest of unannounced change might irritate them easily. And that’s completely comprehensible. After all, we’re all conditioned to our own set of emotions and temper.  

Treat Autism with Care

Autism stems from biological conditions that affect brain development. In many individuals, it is a lifelong condition but proper care, training and therapies can lead them to live their lives easily.

Our special school Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan offers such therapies to autistic students under their dedicated wing named ‘Maitri’ that provides special intervention plan and treatment for autistic children and adults. As each person with autism is unique, so teachers and special educators at Maitri ensure that every single intervention plan should be tailored to address specific needs of these children. Though they face challenges, but our teachers invest a lot of time and efforts in bringing out the hidden talents of the kids, which in turn helps them to socialise well.  

We had a vivid experience of such productive therapies at the #MaitriWithAutism campaign held at Wave Mall, Noida on World Autism Awareness Day. All the autistic students showcased their talent with great zeal and eagerness, while their parents shared successful stories of their kids’ achievements. The programme was so lively and enthusiastic that spectators could not hold themselves back from cherishing every performance, and participating in the activities with equal fervour.

Be it mirror dancing, roller skating, singing, acting, fancy dress competition or creating a magical world on canvas, the students excelled in showcasing a wide array of spectacular talents. The MBCN teachers were indeed proud to see their students perform so perfectly. Their hard work truly shone and made the day more enjoyable and merit-worthy.

This shared glory of teachers, parents and children on Autism Day, did finally prove that an Autistic child is more normal than any normal child. Let’s recognize their uniqueness and give them what they truly deserve.