"Too young to worry, Too old to smile"

Picture this: You’re in a supermarket, and a child is having a full-blown meltdown. They’re screaming, hitting themselves, maybe even knocking things over. The parent looks exhausted, helpless. And then it happens—the judgment. The whispers, the shaking heads, the side-eye glances that say: “That child just needs discipline.” “If that were my kid, I’d handle it differently.” But would you? Because what most people don’t see is the full picture. That child might be experiencing sensory overload—bright lights, loud noises, unfamiliar smells all crashing down at once. That meltdown isn’t a tantrum; it’s a survival response. And that parent? They are doing everything they can. Judgment doesn’t help. Understanding does. Instead of assuming, try a different thought: 🔹 “I wonder what they’re going through.” 🔹 “How can I help make this space more inclusive?” 🔹 “Maybe they don’t need my judgment—just my kindness.” Next time you see a struggling parent, swap judgment for empathy. Yo...

Imagine you’re at a playground. A child next to you is flapping their hands, making sounds, or refusing to play in the "expected" way. You want to understand—but you hesitate. Is it okay to ask? Will it offend the parent? This is a moment many parents of neurotypical children experience. Curiosity is natural, but silence creates distance. As a neurodiverse parent, I’d rather you ask than stare. I’d rather have a conversation than feel isolated in a shared space. A simple, respectful question like: 💬 “Is there a way my child can play with yours that would make them more comfortable?” 💬 “How can I teach my child to be a better friend?” These are the moments that build understanding. These are the questions that turn curiosity into inclusion. The next time you’re unsure whether to ask—take the step. Let’s replace quiet curiosity with open conversations. Have you ever hesitated to ask a question about neurodiversity? What held you back? Let’s talk. #WorldAutismAwarenessD...

“You’re amazing. I don’t know how you do it.” If you’re a parent of a neurodiverse child, you’ve probably heard this before. It’s often said with the best of intentions—sometimes with admiration, sometimes with sympathy. But what it also does, unintentionally, is place a distance between us. Because the truth is, we do what any parent does. We love, nurture, advocate, and make mistakes like everyone else. The difference is, our challenges are often invisible to those who haven’t lived them. They don’t see the sleepless nights after a meltdown, the constant advocating in schools, or the countless times we’ve explained why our child doesn’t fit neatly into societal expectations. So instead of standing in awe from a distance, let’s start a conversation. If you admire a neurodiverse parent, ask how you can support them. If your child is neurotypical, teach them to be a friend, not just a bystander. Admiration is nice. Allyship is better. Have you ever found yourself unsure of how to suppor...

If you are a parent to a neurodiverse child, you’ve probably experienced this: the stares. Some are fleeting, others linger. Some are filled with curiosity, some with judgment, and others with quiet admiration. But on most days, those stares just make us feel... different. For parents of neurotypical children, these moments might be insignificant. But for us, they are a constant reminder of the gap in understanding. So, what are people thinking when they see a child who behaves differently? And more importantly, how can we change the way people respond? What’s Behind the Stares? Not every stare comes from a bad place. People look for different reasons: Empathy and Admiration – Some recognize the challenges of raising a neurodiverse child and think, "I don't know how they do it." Curiosity and Confusion – Others might wonder, "Should I ask about their child’s needs, or would that be intrusive?" Judgment or Misunderstanding – Sadly, some assume behavior...

Eight months ago, I took on a role I never imagined would redefine my life—the primary caregiver to my non-verbal autistic child. The journey has been anything but linear, filled with triumphs, setbacks, and moments of deep introspection. The First Steps: Building a Routine At the outset, my focus was on the fundamentals—helping my child build a structured routine around daily life activities. The initial goals were simple: encourage independent eating, transition out of 24-hour diaper use, and introduce basic dressing skills. Progress was painstakingly slow, but over months of relentless effort, small victories emerged. My child now remains diaper-free throughout the day and independently uses the bathroom. He can eat rice with a spoon, though breaking bread remains a challenge. He has learned to remove his clothes but is still struggling to wear them. Each milestone was a testament to patience, repetition, and consistency. A Deeper Realization: Beyond Physical Routines As I immersed ...

Friends can play a crucial role in helping parents of special needs children, especially when there is also a neurotypical child in the family. In my opinion, here are some practical ways a friend circle can help. I certainly need most of my village to step up and ask. Its ok if you don't know what to do, even i didn't - we will figure it out together! 1. The "Babysitter" Friend – Offering Respite 🌟 Offer to watch the special needs child for a few hours so that the parents can go out or rest. Even just a few hours of quiet can be rejuvenating. 🌟 If they are comfortable, learn about the child’s routines, triggers, and calming techniques so you can be a reliable backup. 🌟 Even coming over to play with the special needs child while the parents take a break at home can be helpful. 2. The "Big Brother/Sister" Friend – Taking the Neurotypical Child Out 🌟 Plan a day out with the neurotypical child—movies, sports, or even a simple park visit—to give them...