tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77696132218377392872024-03-04T23:02:27.195-08:00NAVIGATE THE AUTISM MAZEA-MAZE :Imagine you have to help your child navigate through a complex maze ... Next imagine your child and you are blindfolded .How easy is it going to be? It is that difficult for a child with Autism to navigate the Autism Maze and come through successfully. But if parents are able to teach them the skills needed the result is that they AMAZE you !!AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-79665403445822760922023-04-19T11:00:00.001-07:002023-04-19T11:00:05.083-07:00A heartfelt tribute to Dr Parasuram Ramamoorthi<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwapRl0pUA5sFA8lwlvdQ6eTNxoZqQu76nKHYcB_Mb6Zt0qoblKXgfCfnCxzwbTc3RM-9tr5wbdS_Eep2yCOA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Words have literally failed me for the past few days
as I come to terms with the passing on of Ram [more widely known as Dr<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parasuram Ramamoorthi ] .I could not bring
myself to post this till today as I would break down each time I tried to do it
.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Over the past 10 years we developed a close bond that
is indescribable in common terms - he was so many things to me - mentor, friend,
inspiration<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. Few people have influenced
me in this space, and he is certainly one of them. He opened a window called
“Arts” in my life and that of Nishant’s and that has changed the course of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Initially I would call him “Sir” and then “Ram Sir” …but
he would get very upset and insist I should call him “Ram” as that is how he
feels comfortable. It was difficult for me on two counts – his seniority and
also the fact that my husband was also “Ram “ [Sriram] .However he was
persistent and over time I got used to calling him “Ram”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He was a maverick of sorts and his ideas for Drama
based intervention<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, his brain child –
The Velvi “Art for Autism” festival changed the landscape of the intervention
space for Autism . His vision was that of Autistics being honed to their full
potential and his belief was that each person has an interest or ability and if
we focus on that it can transform their lives. He had complete faith in his
methodology and in the client and that itself led to a high impact positive
change for the clients whose lives he has touched. His courage of conviction was
commendable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He liked to liken himself to the Neem tree - and like
the neem tree he was sought after for his transformative abilities and wide
area of shade [read support ] he provided to those close to him . He could also
be perceived as a bit harsh in his approach at times as he never minced his
words – with him it was WYSIWYG [What you see is what you get]. He was the
master of masks, yet he wore none in real life. He was the teacher of Drama but
preferred “No Drama” in his life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Excerpt from his poems “The Neem Tree”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A boy looked at my leaves<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">tasted the leaves<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">cried " oh bitter bitter"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A girl looked at the flowers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">oh they look like beads, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">a woman vendor sat at my feet<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">oh how cool , love the neem breeze<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A carpenter looked at my trunk<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">" not good for a table"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The crow came flying<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">with a mouse in her beak<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">sat at the farthest branch on the left<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">started pecking into the bowels of the mouse<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">"yummy yummy" the crow said<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">suddenly i heard a scream<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">" kill kill him"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">a man came running<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">hid behind my trunk<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">fifteen men came running with sickles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">they were looking for some one<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">my trunk grew large and broad<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">the man was totally hidden now<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">fifteen people passed by still shouting and
screaming Kill kill him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">He wants to start an industry in our village<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">how dare he<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">he is from the next village<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How can he start an industry here?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">They went away<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">the man in hiding came out<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">went away without even saying Thank You.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He was also a very emotional person and experienced
all the “Navarasas “with authenticity. He held those who he loved in his heart
with deep feelings for them. I am privileged to have experienced that deep love
and faith from him which itself gave me such energy to go forward. I have seen
him do this for so many people, both facilitators and persons on the spectrum. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He had a deep love for his wife Nirmalaji and would
treat her with so much care and respect. He really took to heart the loss of
his close relatives and friends in the recent times, his mind was disturbed by
the finality of death. He felt courted by death and literally died of a broken
heart – so deep was his love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He has left a void so deep that it will never be filled.
He has also left a legacy of love and work that we all have to carry forward .
He was and always be a legend. Bye dearest Ram<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>.see you in the ether world sometime …till we meet again ..adieu<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-59432156915063439582023-04-02T02:05:00.010-07:002023-04-02T10:37:55.173-07:00Acceptance all the way 😊<p><span style="text-align: justify;">Today is WAAD – World Autism Awareness/Acceptance/Appreciation
Day as declared by United Nations [UN] and celebrated all over the world over .
UN theme for 2023 is focusing on “Transforming the Narrative ". The world over
the push is to move towards acceptance and inclusion of neurodiverse </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">persons on the Autism Spectrum.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnurJiRwNBp_jzn6HB9CyqsF2wI7esibmgq2CGpugdqvPb8E0tCfwsoc5kWVE9TCqIaOKwoCVZ8k4cLHuj4RQhKRUBjHK4D20GHPqXdCxIyjvTPhbo2Uo2IF7BarBy6IpbnXWaOYCl7zU9FkYR05OFn0OrhvvyxjS4yegKS9GlWg153GnLnhAqshmH/s960/autismposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnurJiRwNBp_jzn6HB9CyqsF2wI7esibmgq2CGpugdqvPb8E0tCfwsoc5kWVE9TCqIaOKwoCVZ8k4cLHuj4RQhKRUBjHK4D20GHPqXdCxIyjvTPhbo2Uo2IF7BarBy6IpbnXWaOYCl7zU9FkYR05OFn0OrhvvyxjS4yegKS9GlWg153GnLnhAqshmH/s320/autismposter.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Around the world and on the internet there are live
events, rallies, walkathons, cyclothons, podcasts, live casts and webinars. I really
appreciate the efforts of the organizers of these events. It takes a lot of love
and commitment towards those on the autism spectrum and these drives <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go a long way in changing the narrative in
terms of awareness about <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is Autism
“ , “What works for Autism “ as well as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recognizing
/showcasing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Autistics” who are breaking
the glass ceiling and achieving great heights “. So the “Awareness” and” Appreciation”
bits are taken care of quite well in the current times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Coming to “Acceptance” – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What do we really mean by the term? I googled
it [ha-ha] and what came up is :-<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Acceptance
is </span>the ability to see that others have a right to be their own
unique persons<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. That means having a right to their own feelings, thoughts
and opinions. When you accept people for who they are, you let go of your
desire to change them.</span>”</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, are we really accepting of persons with Autism?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a parent or a family member what does this
mean to me. It has been a struggle for me from when I heard the diagnosis of
Nishant at about age 3 to understand what true acceptance really means for me
and others so I thought I will write about that today .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I loved my son unconditionally before he was
diagnosed and love him unconditionally till today<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. I love him not only because he has a twinkle
in his eyes , a smile that can take away a million hearts . He has grown from the absolutely adorable chubby
“Glaxo” baby to a devilishly handsome hunk towering over me at 6.2. The best part is he loves me back –
unconditionally – never judges me , tells me he loves me every day in a zillion
ways <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- this part is easy to do right ?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGSzQLJSQn4ccgQGbBXW9MElBXcdftVnYWMrPNj5M9e26ahgRu7oL68583sFmBboPZjKCdNzpvrJVYkqmn7hoRHswUrMofRAc0kiQjhbyF2jznEK3WBQxsC7D5iUCH9OFtwiD9i2k4-o3BBIJ5WNNQG4o4mEVetK4qXxdWvtK3M6Hpb7Mll4HsCbs/s523/Nishant%20baby%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGSzQLJSQn4ccgQGbBXW9MElBXcdftVnYWMrPNj5M9e26ahgRu7oL68583sFmBboPZjKCdNzpvrJVYkqmn7hoRHswUrMofRAc0kiQjhbyF2jznEK3WBQxsC7D5iUCH9OFtwiD9i2k4-o3BBIJ5WNNQG4o4mEVetK4qXxdWvtK3M6Hpb7Mll4HsCbs/s320/Nishant%20baby%20(2).jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had no issues accepting my child as he was or
with the term or the fact that he had a disability<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.I had <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no issues accepting the parts of him that are
different from the “norm”– his sensory differences which include his need to
hum or play music all the time , his need to keep walking or moving if not
engaged , his obsession with food and smells, his differences in biorhythms which
are more tuned to nature and moon cycles <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than people .His challenges with communicating
through speech , his different ways of socializing, his meltdowns and outbursts
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and even his aggression is acceptable to
me as an expression of his extreme frustration .I never wanted to change his “core”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPYAAIF1F2YBT92KL5-mBsVE8DyfujVddt80d3Iyao0cSkHzxb4-GqMcOBn4c-akIzmwmmZc1wcU6toNsDzvIZ1OH-638OvK80VTq38zj_emkBSPAFy0sDeKnjAugKlugFRbcqnOI8JO6VoHxWS48A7uIww5qOY5v5OWxEK98JL0Kl0sdiHtDmPKu/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-03-19%20at%2019.28.09.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPYAAIF1F2YBT92KL5-mBsVE8DyfujVddt80d3Iyao0cSkHzxb4-GqMcOBn4c-akIzmwmmZc1wcU6toNsDzvIZ1OH-638OvK80VTq38zj_emkBSPAFy0sDeKnjAugKlugFRbcqnOI8JO6VoHxWS48A7uIww5qOY5v5OWxEK98JL0Kl0sdiHtDmPKu/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-03-19%20at%2019.28.09.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What has been really difficult is to determine has
been - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much do I just “let him be”
and how much do I ”train him” to survive in the real world .How do I really
help him express himself to the fullest<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>? How do I find <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spaces outside
the home that are accepting of him ? What will true independence mean for him? How
do I create support systems that will have the same values as us in the future
when perhaps family is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not around ? Who
is going to be his inner circle of care and love besides us his family ? To
find answers to these questions has been my life’s work and mission- .It
has driven whatever I did and do and will do in the future - with him , with myself
, the family , the systems around us and the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Acceptance from the secondary circle is
happening – in the sense that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those outside
the close family are accepting of him – these are people who come in to work at
our home on a daily basis, his friends and facilitators @ Amaze, his dentist,
doctor , familiar places that we visit like restaurants and shops <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.They know he communicates differently, respect
his preferences , “adjust” to his pace and needs and even accept times when he
is not able to cope and “does not cooperate” or “has a breakdown /meltdown “.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I realize that building acceptance is an ongoing
process – for example if there is a new person in this circle , they are initially
very wary – sometimes to the point of being scared and they <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>literally “avoid” him. As he is not very
social in terms of greetings or a conversation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- initially the interactions are functional and routine – and communication is very basic like saying "hi" while
walking in the community or on a zoom call or "bye" to the teacher , house hold help or driver . Then as they observe him more , interacting with us, going
about his daily tasks and routine independently<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> they realise they can go further </span>. For example – he will put off the fan when my mom has to light the
lamp , bring water to you if you are coughing , or a tissue if you are tearing up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, suggesting to add garlic or ginger to a dish we are cooking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>etc. They see him requesting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things through his AAC <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- which may include , food , instructions,
actions, music <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. And then when they see him
communicate with us [his parents] through
typing, create one of his beautiful art works , pull out the YouTube recipes
of the dish someone <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just mentioned in
the passing , cycle on the roads for a few kilometers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- then they are amazed !! It takes some time
and many interactions for them to get to know there is a “real person in there “
who can actually think and feel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgp4FIcJh0IRSr1EQf0dY-H_3vu7cxmg2IwPYp37qWk9GaKbjBukiu2_OsEWjy-pWzB3GJgkbP57-9BR9QBIxyu9FRbszqAbsXT1phD2aBfDxlfY1C_PLVEkLuz1IGn392cJbvcrgntqoN65pD2PuGU0TPt8gOa7l71YiwU1YY_Q-T9AT20Lum8Gy/s2560/Nish%20-%20Pune%20camp%20-%20burma%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2560" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgp4FIcJh0IRSr1EQf0dY-H_3vu7cxmg2IwPYp37qWk9GaKbjBukiu2_OsEWjy-pWzB3GJgkbP57-9BR9QBIxyu9FRbszqAbsXT1phD2aBfDxlfY1C_PLVEkLuz1IGn392cJbvcrgntqoN65pD2PuGU0TPt8gOa7l71YiwU1YY_Q-T9AT20Lum8Gy/s320/Nish%20-%20Pune%20camp%20-%20burma%20bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the
acceptance <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of him as a person is
achieved with some , <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many find it
difficult to accept his “meltdowns” and “aggression". However if one is in his
shoes – with hypersensitivity , hyper awareness of self and the environment ,
hyper vigilant and yet not able to communicate in detail to all, not able to
regulate one’s body or the environment to suit one’s needs , his frustration is
understandable isn’t it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. At the same
time it is also understandable that no one would willingly want to engage with
a person who is aggressive. So there is
a bit of a deadlock there which needs to be unraveled . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I accept his meltdowns <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as a part of him<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- the only part I keep working on is the mode
and timing of expression of that frustration – to express it before it becomes
explosive and if it does tip over to regulate by taking quiet time off rather
than hurt oneself and others<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time he has become <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more and more regulated .</span>His meltdowns are only .01 part of his life happen like 2-3 times in a month . When he was a teenager it was 5- 10 times a day so hopefully one day they will go away . 99% of the time you will encounter a "Happy go Lucky " Nishant and that is who I choose to focus on too.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To summarize and conclude the question to be
answered today is …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What can each one of us do towards Autism acceptance?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Firstly
we need to <b>accept autistics as they are </b>– if they do not want to socialize
, if they talk too much , if they are having a mood swing – accept that these are
part of who they are and not try to judge them based on that<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Secondly
we need to interact with them based on their interests and routines to <b>build
a rapport with them</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and communicate
with them in a way that they are comfortable and accept their alternate ways of
communication.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thirdly
we can gently help them to come out of their “ivory tower<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ by <b>helping them experience <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the “real world “</b> through volunteering to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>take them /go with them to different places ,
experience a variety of things and this will help the autistic to bring down
their rigidities , sensitivities , learn skills to navigate the “real world”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feel and become “a part of the whole “.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUWYQyYRMTICR9R-lhulmVK6aaX8T1ALk-OUXbY9eSvg2Uc4IwkvUaEdnLNvtZL4Ihw-KsCzLeTQV1YIKgwihMdFQBBh_FWFVu7nxFNfQhqmT6IayjUXdM0Ds9m50Rg3htgWhFR2AGqPaMRIYKnpSx1Nw_ObjNqMN1NwH5vfINkKy_4e0ztHrScU8/s5184/P2091207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUWYQyYRMTICR9R-lhulmVK6aaX8T1ALk-OUXbY9eSvg2Uc4IwkvUaEdnLNvtZL4Ihw-KsCzLeTQV1YIKgwihMdFQBBh_FWFVu7nxFNfQhqmT6IayjUXdM0Ds9m50Rg3htgWhFR2AGqPaMRIYKnpSx1Nw_ObjNqMN1NwH5vfINkKy_4e0ztHrScU8/s320/P2091207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A few years ago when I asked Nishant to type
his thoughts for “Autism Awareness Day “ he typed “Why only today ? – I have
Autism everyday “. This motivates me to celebrate and accept him and those like
him every day for who they really are and work towards creating acceptance in
the systems that they are a part of and create systems that are accepting of diversity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is important not only for “them” but also
for all of “us” .The universe constantly is telling us to move towards an “Interdependence”
model versus a “Survival of the Fittest” model.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-44294561902614363332020-04-17T10:12:00.000-07:002020-04-17T10:12:09.802-07:00About Corona Virus <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzao00YzyY8UKmsyhGF_SjFE5ZbGbD43676oluNPF2HekJGzxBacr4swY6-r5qPPROo9E9oeQZJ9cegagCKbcKACoUg4-cI53YmRDmcJ9GxksgDc7ac5L-JXgKfCVhF9LxXBwIw__ymx0/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzao00YzyY8UKmsyhGF_SjFE5ZbGbD43676oluNPF2HekJGzxBacr4swY6-r5qPPROo9E9oeQZJ9cegagCKbcKACoUg4-cI53YmRDmcJ9GxksgDc7ac5L-JXgKfCVhF9LxXBwIw__ymx0/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvz-bRNX3ua4nb8e2RyiKphtkMSQoqsZCu8OsD4Kef7KAYuQpRdF7Qr6oOf4fnqMb2pS6Ksjux75qBUD1sNAGKrpYpMEa66-AZebtvRzLWLfW9JSdeDZlLjWmznHPlOtKNhqCMr7Ro9E/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvz-bRNX3ua4nb8e2RyiKphtkMSQoqsZCu8OsD4Kef7KAYuQpRdF7Qr6oOf4fnqMb2pS6Ksjux75qBUD1sNAGKrpYpMEa66-AZebtvRzLWLfW9JSdeDZlLjWmznHPlOtKNhqCMr7Ro9E/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc0S37Skyjk6qldct7_5BBi1iz9I5q2j366Y35su4UphM6RwmB6vzhhYyKkkKaPNjocm6VctjHNnDDekYRatpNLWISo9vlOb5Y_3spIMm5Tu3KUtVE9jNPEEnmKRKP0gwswYadIYChr4/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc0S37Skyjk6qldct7_5BBi1iz9I5q2j366Y35su4UphM6RwmB6vzhhYyKkkKaPNjocm6VctjHNnDDekYRatpNLWISo9vlOb5Y_3spIMm5Tu3KUtVE9jNPEEnmKRKP0gwswYadIYChr4/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7wzUKVdg4BkKR2qfaef7HTVcPNHLdBuNfTsTgO4d17IbSS23uq7zdeGjZ-QDptZ2tNbTd3ScF7b2lAvf4ZGPWn_eYAaZL23CY0UADkMkw6PkOv3Hhuwcs_8Oa7ofN4hrsIPZriTfuiM/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7wzUKVdg4BkKR2qfaef7HTVcPNHLdBuNfTsTgO4d17IbSS23uq7zdeGjZ-QDptZ2tNbTd3ScF7b2lAvf4ZGPWn_eYAaZL23CY0UADkMkw6PkOv3Hhuwcs_8Oa7ofN4hrsIPZriTfuiM/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxHhW1jkch8P4pthIPPxPnKG5YbnKdpZX4_g14cuMytWBc8dFi9SrkZFflDDmNeGjuogfHaZKFxGtofBmn2qFSIrmsE0PZD13AxV_ssLbbylij53S5Iuj2MMIMFusv-YXPxw1-6tdnKI/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxHhW1jkch8P4pthIPPxPnKG5YbnKdpZX4_g14cuMytWBc8dFi9SrkZFflDDmNeGjuogfHaZKFxGtofBmn2qFSIrmsE0PZD13AxV_ssLbbylij53S5Iuj2MMIMFusv-YXPxw1-6tdnKI/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6lSGTIbc5hizVZtqksHP89Vm1-QkRvlW8oNGbeOB8qt4ZtgWaC_46lKT_6FpNEAvyxLuBCxD6WNGvb7HJ3jY8pkAbm6JYu9YkfkqXrLfqxAvkR0N5s0tsQR5zFQ-4Zdvm91tJzVjjdI/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6lSGTIbc5hizVZtqksHP89Vm1-QkRvlW8oNGbeOB8qt4ZtgWaC_46lKT_6FpNEAvyxLuBCxD6WNGvb7HJ3jY8pkAbm6JYu9YkfkqXrLfqxAvkR0N5s0tsQR5zFQ-4Zdvm91tJzVjjdI/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGUjP4AXmXvrVjD7vQFnm_63qgP_eQAnb3A1rEDpkGp6KewGYBXtbb7RW0vR010etmhr0RQQNxUyKsVsx2EfHt8RmtCTqdYaTXVlJ_5Zy81LDXUnc1eIYLO9vuqPVddEiy3zOweQTRXE/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGUjP4AXmXvrVjD7vQFnm_63qgP_eQAnb3A1rEDpkGp6KewGYBXtbb7RW0vR010etmhr0RQQNxUyKsVsx2EfHt8RmtCTqdYaTXVlJ_5Zy81LDXUnc1eIYLO9vuqPVddEiy3zOweQTRXE/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdO8xNJC1Amu0XfnEzr18BK0DxwUw-2OG7vUlFLdKr0mRqs8oiluMiTpptkRnzW6vv9bPYQIsXQFx6iC4tBb_8rJarniEKoYv7J9e5PiEVi_0oYW2lI-V06I11hNxGBVNYTz1y_IMVcY/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdO8xNJC1Amu0XfnEzr18BK0DxwUw-2OG7vUlFLdKr0mRqs8oiluMiTpptkRnzW6vv9bPYQIsXQFx6iC4tBb_8rJarniEKoYv7J9e5PiEVi_0oYW2lI-V06I11hNxGBVNYTz1y_IMVcY/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnd4Usy6xIqablBS7LQq0HyBjE3PwFyxryk7z15t7uzmxNFpSiohSqoY1asPuHOAvI3RuO6OKV6b4WhyphenhyphenPFqY80KfYZV-2m6rvTtPGpo7U0-0VNmEhzPiOrP3SU3H7h-6YGKqSmSAfgLQ/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnd4Usy6xIqablBS7LQq0HyBjE3PwFyxryk7z15t7uzmxNFpSiohSqoY1asPuHOAvI3RuO6OKV6b4WhyphenhyphenPFqY80KfYZV-2m6rvTtPGpo7U0-0VNmEhzPiOrP3SU3H7h-6YGKqSmSAfgLQ/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT87n4LCfJgLeXk2IRE0YDb7wHRiCH62lfs2zRuoPfZJmfGQW2dnO1HMWdGzwBCLt39l5nDotm0JjFQd9-bHpIdsYb31VSf1n6UuY01mJefUmE5LIWa9Z1cSfKXG8oN3o5jahyphenhyphenSs2ITM/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT87n4LCfJgLeXk2IRE0YDb7wHRiCH62lfs2zRuoPfZJmfGQW2dnO1HMWdGzwBCLt39l5nDotm0JjFQd9-bHpIdsYb31VSf1n6UuY01mJefUmE5LIWa9Z1cSfKXG8oN3o5jahyphenhyphenSs2ITM/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU72TZTjutxQn27zq-y945zF72naJRGdqt7LmkRz44HdVmlIXS2_VzQtnFkeKCmSCO-4isQso_7vnoL77-T4q7LgzT-058ZCajWoRnMZBFAOTAAJNaYhPn25PFINR4fja0BvRwkfkkis/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU72TZTjutxQn27zq-y945zF72naJRGdqt7LmkRz44HdVmlIXS2_VzQtnFkeKCmSCO-4isQso_7vnoL77-T4q7LgzT-058ZCajWoRnMZBFAOTAAJNaYhPn25PFINR4fja0BvRwkfkkis/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VqINAbYyqc7q-ZoWqX5YHSOabQJvNXaxzznCban9jCLJVBF1fK95d-BBpre3QNhaJAnJXjsTR4DhtYptyjtzmt3aLvt9e0IFM-U6cEozF3b2ZMa_Gi8a84EJaoaRrxMC4vF9TCNmQRo/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VqINAbYyqc7q-ZoWqX5YHSOabQJvNXaxzznCban9jCLJVBF1fK95d-BBpre3QNhaJAnJXjsTR4DhtYptyjtzmt3aLvt9e0IFM-U6cEozF3b2ZMa_Gi8a84EJaoaRrxMC4vF9TCNmQRo/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsnwiV-_MA09TtSe3Yc7aap7qFu8yux9UhdCm96oQiyDhdhcoOXfGPkmA0qPH5WbanD-0tYj7apZqGVzHqy6k3uk2WXzvrNt3REB96agHHuGYoFIDopKJ-wXOPUC4bdUvR5qnC3suzGM/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsnwiV-_MA09TtSe3Yc7aap7qFu8yux9UhdCm96oQiyDhdhcoOXfGPkmA0qPH5WbanD-0tYj7apZqGVzHqy6k3uk2WXzvrNt3REB96agHHuGYoFIDopKJ-wXOPUC4bdUvR5qnC3suzGM/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjV8Q4N5NGoXt13obumNmwnATZl15nBwE4cUxTVznCrpLeOPfq0wlOGczLS5dZIjc29n4vbA4ewhZj5UHeoOdn18TnJvv64kffBJ_hBNKR8hEA1zN7u76io6qIcA13uN1J8hnAQuYuPg/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjV8Q4N5NGoXt13obumNmwnATZl15nBwE4cUxTVznCrpLeOPfq0wlOGczLS5dZIjc29n4vbA4ewhZj5UHeoOdn18TnJvv64kffBJ_hBNKR8hEA1zN7u76io6qIcA13uN1J8hnAQuYuPg/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPS3TE9taDflUpWRInAqf7CJ3c-RtcNj7PK23nIvY2GYG7c7TeNVNngdq6JNjuCQA2qfiQYdDOl9uUmGmM0Z5mw5ZIJlFFxWpXrujc_UnKAigfEiGDp53Tt8UUPu1rXRf6A-QgvXHG68/s1600/Coronavirus.pptx-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPS3TE9taDflUpWRInAqf7CJ3c-RtcNj7PK23nIvY2GYG7c7TeNVNngdq6JNjuCQA2qfiQYdDOl9uUmGmM0Z5mw5ZIJlFFxWpXrujc_UnKAigfEiGDp53Tt8UUPu1rXRf6A-QgvXHG68/s640/Coronavirus.pptx-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-54811811518111449662020-04-17T10:05:00.004-07:002020-04-17T10:06:01.197-07:00Precautions to prevent COVID 19 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrP7RBPWnPKsqi66SnuV4QHAfGncdxGsshRTjxsYd2cxw1TX8K-phiuxjVGos4dc41HELOLU3zSVZk8l4KU0gl7_nwcvCWDZHEavpHWhuCEiGqExvR5c63GtH8d4l7tSTln1mldhMlts/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrP7RBPWnPKsqi66SnuV4QHAfGncdxGsshRTjxsYd2cxw1TX8K-phiuxjVGos4dc41HELOLU3zSVZk8l4KU0gl7_nwcvCWDZHEavpHWhuCEiGqExvR5c63GtH8d4l7tSTln1mldhMlts/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6aVajqq0tUqt-cLpIM4zSWJrcu08Qd4gwCpGO4q04u_I2F08Dtpxw6cJk7KobtP5jbfAAYZ9uI9dit4zEeJw_Wnm03W1HnHhTMg9ZX1S-gzks2TQSnqyuEkWWCveDiWSeDAxsaXO0RI/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6aVajqq0tUqt-cLpIM4zSWJrcu08Qd4gwCpGO4q04u_I2F08Dtpxw6cJk7KobtP5jbfAAYZ9uI9dit4zEeJw_Wnm03W1HnHhTMg9ZX1S-gzks2TQSnqyuEkWWCveDiWSeDAxsaXO0RI/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tvTIX-CodGducUMZERKCfxGj6zx4kn_SK6Tf2r0vlizrO0uehq8c2Q5e-Zr6WOIBywTsBnaDXQb8JWSnvGXKdEYIAH2FQ1qTggHF7sZTnOmup46By-k7W843odwG-cfPPcnZ68DX9Cw/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tvTIX-CodGducUMZERKCfxGj6zx4kn_SK6Tf2r0vlizrO0uehq8c2Q5e-Zr6WOIBywTsBnaDXQb8JWSnvGXKdEYIAH2FQ1qTggHF7sZTnOmup46By-k7W843odwG-cfPPcnZ68DX9Cw/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXfuaZ3_2sRYknKbOOhFod-pxLCXDedM5KgHpr_MqvOh7XXocjDFLsvFGoTeg9pvPhrvT95FnJ3krt1JaTbndh1DdqkSbs3NISS412JQQvPYn_gDYMkw5JveEaWqCKbRyPFMLWanMEG4/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXfuaZ3_2sRYknKbOOhFod-pxLCXDedM5KgHpr_MqvOh7XXocjDFLsvFGoTeg9pvPhrvT95FnJ3krt1JaTbndh1DdqkSbs3NISS412JQQvPYn_gDYMkw5JveEaWqCKbRyPFMLWanMEG4/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdL5aY_0mcgP3PxGGx-evmla25lj7QXq0CT3s3ikUj39tutnb1jHeQrgpu-bW6NbS9O_1N1nLyCi8WGuSUj-xGTdSIkJi0Ad9EpZjH3bsDFd4i8xoNZwNrTvIF1-eFWBFJtvOBG92zPY/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdL5aY_0mcgP3PxGGx-evmla25lj7QXq0CT3s3ikUj39tutnb1jHeQrgpu-bW6NbS9O_1N1nLyCi8WGuSUj-xGTdSIkJi0Ad9EpZjH3bsDFd4i8xoNZwNrTvIF1-eFWBFJtvOBG92zPY/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q0BggrsIWm1_xfNmV68Z6fqRxUxQ9g2PZOxPZDswd37sYtBqddbOb4VB_YFfdg2utHZJRuUJOCsh0rlVRGU4SjDNEQCNDJsu3Oh27nQKPxnS-sLM4Q7Y5hFMCx2Ttyde_K3nw8emEug/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q0BggrsIWm1_xfNmV68Z6fqRxUxQ9g2PZOxPZDswd37sYtBqddbOb4VB_YFfdg2utHZJRuUJOCsh0rlVRGU4SjDNEQCNDJsu3Oh27nQKPxnS-sLM4Q7Y5hFMCx2Ttyde_K3nw8emEug/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQNywWrU_j8zfT5Xhrk1kh_iPUawjRSXv1V1tvmSGZ3xBlDLTUUMJ9XhQYRFPH6GpZ62Ang_nTslVkz4kBeFtmqcC1ddYeVbFWJA5Q23yvUS7fDKCdXz3kbiJaDw01nckatjJZohxmnw/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQNywWrU_j8zfT5Xhrk1kh_iPUawjRSXv1V1tvmSGZ3xBlDLTUUMJ9XhQYRFPH6GpZ62Ang_nTslVkz4kBeFtmqcC1ddYeVbFWJA5Q23yvUS7fDKCdXz3kbiJaDw01nckatjJZohxmnw/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiCdvbrnrNCmBAJ4QMKtIhkk3soNqOhhcM8wKqL0qevCfg-FE6DFHbAoZKP6qpYQI2ecum7iJX5T3zwW535I_ycaIs_UbA_1XHp6tQ-VxP_uGnSBu67lMS34w8lF7mhewhtu6EfuPWNQ/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiCdvbrnrNCmBAJ4QMKtIhkk3soNqOhhcM8wKqL0qevCfg-FE6DFHbAoZKP6qpYQI2ecum7iJX5T3zwW535I_ycaIs_UbA_1XHp6tQ-VxP_uGnSBu67lMS34w8lF7mhewhtu6EfuPWNQ/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFehITBJrJUxRY_I7ezEVEElzeUOh_-iUb3dkd0KaK2V5M3_alb0xF-hcjelmzTsQuWldVgB_2H1Q6RpsgiqhEWNCrXLr7R6ZJ7d0OQyI9hoR8reLxXCK4xKFoBY2JyD-McxAqnd-UME/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFehITBJrJUxRY_I7ezEVEElzeUOh_-iUb3dkd0KaK2V5M3_alb0xF-hcjelmzTsQuWldVgB_2H1Q6RpsgiqhEWNCrXLr7R6ZJ7d0OQyI9hoR8reLxXCK4xKFoBY2JyD-McxAqnd-UME/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifWLdy7CaWKWaVI5dR5jdBi3RsoV_PWzpajkdWSTaK6hB_2mGSPolfrAKrCFjc0esWDMDM116xOkxdh2Tgrlp4h0fi-6UcG_KML17ZNbE8ACOl0DhnHtcUpWqtN62cJ7ZfI8nRBP2jPc/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifWLdy7CaWKWaVI5dR5jdBi3RsoV_PWzpajkdWSTaK6hB_2mGSPolfrAKrCFjc0esWDMDM116xOkxdh2Tgrlp4h0fi-6UcG_KML17ZNbE8ACOl0DhnHtcUpWqtN62cJ7ZfI8nRBP2jPc/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQHk8jdB4qpt_1rno8FZTzavBgo0b7QJCvDdg7D5BuFy149A8QwAQPNA6uACVeSuCEHGI0qHd1_gRWEc_LUo4AypC0d_fVX7_MEFpCDmrcxOR1sb22xJt1kDA_8Qx4dX675-3r4nitXY/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQHk8jdB4qpt_1rno8FZTzavBgo0b7QJCvDdg7D5BuFy149A8QwAQPNA6uACVeSuCEHGI0qHd1_gRWEc_LUo4AypC0d_fVX7_MEFpCDmrcxOR1sb22xJt1kDA_8Qx4dX675-3r4nitXY/s640/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ1XfExRUHlV1T7Dr-Cdrl824QxXjpJLH8dZrPN2gfFvZMhedbZVVj-n7AuNSZK6xJXWgIeBif49cqg39I9OhQznD2nH0XOwtE9mZpOuBC1VnC0itt2Ow1vGRTJuzr4faDv9VRWC315Q/s1600/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ1XfExRUHlV1T7Dr-Cdrl824QxXjpJLH8dZrPN2gfFvZMhedbZVVj-n7AuNSZK6xJXWgIeBif49cqg39I9OhQznD2nH0XOwtE9mZpOuBC1VnC0itt2Ow1vGRTJuzr4faDv9VRWC315Q/s320/Precautions+for++corona.pptx-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-15387877149895199952020-04-17T09:58:00.002-07:002020-04-17T09:58:53.854-07:00Sample schedule for Lockdown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv26kHw2hWCKZ2Pfmt0FEfzrZ6rA6dSfHXEAeLUNRP28Rjcfdz0zQ1LP8HoMwh6RtRPB5u2jhhveEqe9lar2q6rrFF-Bfi0QW0iZvf8KKkrLyTdp6cRbzmqB1pYddCpTNSxIu2tJKR9Y/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv26kHw2hWCKZ2Pfmt0FEfzrZ6rA6dSfHXEAeLUNRP28Rjcfdz0zQ1LP8HoMwh6RtRPB5u2jhhveEqe9lar2q6rrFF-Bfi0QW0iZvf8KKkrLyTdp6cRbzmqB1pYddCpTNSxIu2tJKR9Y/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-1.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hmORjvM92h4y0H5_2VrMnHlXf4G_7OiZGiYaqAQz7yanmbJYdmJVF53a78T2dTwByc70R0OwQ9kJekmOfV5CeC4rF4GaIIFWlHHUDR8tU1kNCyWXums3gO9wEwIvH5KqHoNi049ZB6M/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hmORjvM92h4y0H5_2VrMnHlXf4G_7OiZGiYaqAQz7yanmbJYdmJVF53a78T2dTwByc70R0OwQ9kJekmOfV5CeC4rF4GaIIFWlHHUDR8tU1kNCyWXums3gO9wEwIvH5KqHoNi049ZB6M/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAX1-Bckdulz04dG_IrO-_3yZhCklG3dNoaSOUFb2NzgVoFw6AeXiYLUizRiKHm-qYx2r2XQiODzhP-ulAG26hPubH1_zg69Tbl6oDbsHRtV1wetlpgB0ZHCD918-yYkI8eqJLXXsTI/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAX1-Bckdulz04dG_IrO-_3yZhCklG3dNoaSOUFb2NzgVoFw6AeXiYLUizRiKHm-qYx2r2XQiODzhP-ulAG26hPubH1_zg69Tbl6oDbsHRtV1wetlpgB0ZHCD918-yYkI8eqJLXXsTI/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-3.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuIJvjKwFn3lW_ms8PQLJykUQsB9t6bn6nCVdKfs2tZGRVUrCduYAPjdIlBAESANKkFvTyQmBdESsLjBUOb0z13KgM4aU2GuRryATRJqNkH0NpALbKF4nDcD9FXOi8UjgHsSWx8ubTW8/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuIJvjKwFn3lW_ms8PQLJykUQsB9t6bn6nCVdKfs2tZGRVUrCduYAPjdIlBAESANKkFvTyQmBdESsLjBUOb0z13KgM4aU2GuRryATRJqNkH0NpALbKF4nDcD9FXOi8UjgHsSWx8ubTW8/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-4.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzC8MJYQvgVP9WEzUEdm2SFpYY7L-Wd8QkT14-1TNGkdVkaZg_GE__D-KIT25uNwi8Bjndk3oBBF0WVmvvkstkGHGZughTjRA_Q8bf3b5J5kgkKUzHLEm1Zp1vm_rIMuUZ3VylckMWgo/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzC8MJYQvgVP9WEzUEdm2SFpYY7L-Wd8QkT14-1TNGkdVkaZg_GE__D-KIT25uNwi8Bjndk3oBBF0WVmvvkstkGHGZughTjRA_Q8bf3b5J5kgkKUzHLEm1Zp1vm_rIMuUZ3VylckMWgo/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-5.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i-79NcFzPwG-c-oeALM57AQxaSv4Rldz6XJzgu0D27zvkY1nUgVmfq8dokv5l8WEA-vTjzCHSFZMIPW3QVBolzl9_asl8qcksmXxepsQdRGHtnAdqBxbwUD0lC5hJi4j8q0ozKLH3oA/s1600/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i-79NcFzPwG-c-oeALM57AQxaSv4Rldz6XJzgu0D27zvkY1nUgVmfq8dokv5l8WEA-vTjzCHSFZMIPW3QVBolzl9_asl8qcksmXxepsQdRGHtnAdqBxbwUD0lC5hJi4j8q0ozKLH3oA/s640/Nish+Lockdown+Schedule-6.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-20086741880322614202020-04-17T09:48:00.000-07:002020-04-17T09:48:10.642-07:00Corona Countdown Calendars for Lockdown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgpJkjHSdk44XG7hFuw81pPn7PPl6pUgWtUAqovpDl5zSICIlrYUBg1s4pAIycUh7kFAFOp1pDQT4vbEObdNs_0znKhduw4WnWQxCVBCswEdjh9UhEf27xEyMfg9pD72ri9R39cxOJY0/s1600/CORONA+LOCK+DOWN+CALENDAR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="928" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgpJkjHSdk44XG7hFuw81pPn7PPl6pUgWtUAqovpDl5zSICIlrYUBg1s4pAIycUh7kFAFOp1pDQT4vbEObdNs_0znKhduw4WnWQxCVBCswEdjh9UhEf27xEyMfg9pD72ri9R39cxOJY0/s640/CORONA+LOCK+DOWN+CALENDAR.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWhjPujnm1qU6Cxn50FLvQyqHpRoMyt6IYwnyJk-YcimDNXYzH3GadRei59Ld1G__wDmkEawua8qzh6I32fwMknVqXhg_-LNuNLqF3GJE9Kg7Q_VwWtiHEtQ0ZZyX8mfuPap4WI_DNOI/s1600/Corona+lockdown+2.0+calendar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="799" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWhjPujnm1qU6Cxn50FLvQyqHpRoMyt6IYwnyJk-YcimDNXYzH3GadRei59Ld1G__wDmkEawua8qzh6I32fwMknVqXhg_-LNuNLqF3GJE9Kg7Q_VwWtiHEtQ0ZZyX8mfuPap4WI_DNOI/s640/Corona+lockdown+2.0+calendar.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-64768569556185529992020-04-17T09:32:00.000-07:002020-04-17T11:01:35.689-07:00Navigating the Corona Lockdown - for children/ persons with special needs <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is true that a certain amount of structure and proceeding
in a predictable planned manner helps children/Students with intellectual
disabilities<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to function better .Where
there are major changes to this structure or schedule they may find it
difficult to adapt initially<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The solution lies in creating a new routine that is
comfortable for the child<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step 1: Explain to the child /student using visuals and
videos about the Corona virus and its hazards as well as the personal safety
procedures to be followed like hand washing , mask , social distancing etc .The
child may need to be taught these new habits .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
@AMAZE we immediately created two power point presentations
to explain in simple terms about the Corona Virus and the Safety precautions
.We shared this with our student’s families and widely in the disability
community . <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/about-corona-virus.html">http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/about-corona-virus.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/precautions-to-prevent-covid-19.html">http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/precautions-to-prevent-covid-19.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step 2 : Create a calendar and help the child understand how
many days the lockdown is going to be . Emphasize from the beginning that this
may be extended if we are not safe to go out<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
@AMAZE we created a Countdown calendar which will serve as
visual tool to help cope with the lockdown .This too we shared with our
students and the community <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/corona-countdown-calendars-for-lockdown.html">http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/corona-countdown-calendars-for-lockdown.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step3 :Create a new schedule at home<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and include a comfortable flow of preferred
activities , house hold chores , creative activities , indoor fitness
activities , relaxation activities <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
@Amaze we called up each of our student’s families and
helped them make a new schedule for the student based on their interests and
abilities . We also constantly follow-up and are available to them to tweak it
if required <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/sample-schedule-for-lockdown.html">http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/2020/04/sample-schedule-for-lockdown.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order for the schedule to work the following steps help <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make a list of things the child can do at home
including things that the child likes to do like watching TV, internet activity
, video game<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, art ,music , dance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, cooking , gardening<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>etc <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->List down some indoor physical activities like
yoga , brain gym activities , OT Activities that the child can do at home <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->List down some important skill goals the child
has at therapy - like the target words or sentences in speech therapy ,
academic goals , literacy goals <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
list of household chores the child will complete or participate willingly <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make a list of things that helps the child relax
like a foot massage or pedicure or some relaxing music , exercise , smells etc <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
Once all this is in place it is
just a question of putting in the times and it also helps to put down who will
supervise or be with the child to complete the activities if they are not very
independent <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
Step 4.Offer positive
reinforcement to the child if the complete their tasks and even if they are
coping well ..taking photographs or videos of their creations , achievements
may help to boost their self-esteem and cooperatiosn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.25pt;">
Step 5.Ensure the child/student
has enough breaks and a “Chill down space” at home where they can spend some
alone time and relax or calm down . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very young children may be undergoing speech therapy /physio
therapy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>occupational therapy with the
therapists<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.Older children may be
learning in remedial centers or going to special schools which take care of
their learning needs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. While the parents
may not have the equipment or skills needed to implement the whole program at
home , certainly with some adaptations and online support from the therapist or
teachers , they can keep working on the individual goals for the child .The
best thing is for the specific teacher or therapist to support rather than
looking up generic content online which may or may not be appropriate for their
child <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
@Amaze we run an open door center and mainly cater to two
age groups .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students in the age group 5-15 are a part of our technology
based after school program DAKSH which mainly focusses on literacy and
communication . Being open door , parents are mostly present for the sessions
and so they were able to quickly start working with their children with online or
telephonic support from our staff .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through our DAKSH ONLINE PROGRAM we were already supporting
students online from across the country for technology based literacy and
communication programs and these programs are seamlessly continuing even i.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students 16 years and
above are a part of our full day Skills training program AMEYA where they are
learning life skills , cooking , housekeeping , gardening and farming ,
technology and literacy and communication skills<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.What better time than now for them to put
the skills they have learnt to use at home supporting their family <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been getting only positive reports from our families
that their children are really helping with the house hold chores<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, cooking and gardening<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.Able to engage themselves with Art music and
movement<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and use technology to
communicate .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact we have been sharing our ideas and cooking recipes
with forums across the nation and many of the individuals with disability have
started cooking some simple recipes inspired by us .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are also a lot of other institutes like Evoluer from
Gurgaon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who are sharing Free online
classes or resources for persons with disabilities with ideas for Art / Cooking
/Movement /Meditation etc which are really useful for our students in these
times .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also @Amaze we have a yoga program which has been fully
recorded and shared with all students to practice at home .Of course we are not
able to do our outbound activities like Cycling and Trekking .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our annual NALS
Adventure Camp @Coonoor scheduled for April 17-19 had to be cancelled much to
our disappointment .The fact that we have had calls from many families even
young persons with disability to check when it will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>happen next stands testimony to the fact how
much the camp is being missed .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are really happy that our practical curriculum which is based
on experiential , process based learning as well as making technology pivotal
to all our processes , has helped our students cope so well with the current
situation <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
More info in this Article published in The HINDU METRO PLUS<br />
<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/how-to-make-the-lockdown-productive-and-less-stressful-for-persons-in-the-autism-spectrum-and-their-caregivers/article31287747.ece">https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/how-to-make-the-lockdown-productive-and-less-stressful-for-persons-in-the-autism-spectrum-and-their-caregivers/article31287747.ece</a></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-6713930321251303492017-01-22T04:20:00.001-08:002017-01-22T04:33:59.621-08:00Live ...Love ...Laugh <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said you had Autism <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a lifelong disorder you can never overcome <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were “disconnected”...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could only see …the light in your eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said you would never speak <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or go to school like other kids<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You would not have friends to play with <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could only feel ....the love in your heart <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They complained that you were hyperactive <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were difficult to handle <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You need to be restrained and drugged for your aggression <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could only hear ......your cry for help<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said that I need to be careful with you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You need help to navigate the world<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You cannot take care of yourself <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could only sense ....your spirit guiding me <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They told me not to have another child<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For he or she may be “damaged” like you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A “burden” to this earth ..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got ready to be blessed again ....by another just like you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I refused to believe them …<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For you are the light of my life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your spirit guides me <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To live …love… and laugh <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To my children ..Nishant and Nivriti</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_nXPqppq2J52XJZew4wYurRaQ2RCI9YIOeKgIHXRT8Q4SMwKPaDa31FVrXzwUOMuYZOM2C1F8uRS2rnK89H-jpueIFGwrN9jeTdjT2LHJJC1CvvEMZU4nEsvyu47iMhXa2B0euyHK6U/s1600/P1030728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_nXPqppq2J52XJZew4wYurRaQ2RCI9YIOeKgIHXRT8Q4SMwKPaDa31FVrXzwUOMuYZOM2C1F8uRS2rnK89H-jpueIFGwrN9jeTdjT2LHJJC1CvvEMZU4nEsvyu47iMhXa2B0euyHK6U/s320/P1030728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
This was the moment I realized that I did not need to “Accept
“ you or your Autism …for it never made
a difference ..there was never a moment that I
did not accept you ..there was never a moment that I wished you were
different ..there was never a moment I that I wanted away from you ..I could
not imagine life without you my child ..and this realization came in the moment
when I discovered your sister was in my womb and though relatives and doctors
were worried and even dissuaded me from continuing my pregnancy and wanted me
to do scans and checks to see if she was “okay” ,,,I firmly refused ..that
moment I knew that it did not matter if she was exactly like you ..I would love
her just as I loved you …she was life ..co created by me and life just is ..it is
not for me to end it or decide how it is meant to be but to just live …love …and
laugh .<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WPeFLIj-Je7tDATA-jJ4vV8a-bB_OOCK_7sgsn8PDIVP7giouU7gAwHUg6AmWw-3kKmD5Mfl7gHsH65rmUB_YmWH0cZecfQTAEBXtmkGrA10Wphb23PXgqbLooW8NfVsY3pEqphTgOg/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WPeFLIj-Je7tDATA-jJ4vV8a-bB_OOCK_7sgsn8PDIVP7giouU7gAwHUg6AmWw-3kKmD5Mfl7gHsH65rmUB_YmWH0cZecfQTAEBXtmkGrA10Wphb23PXgqbLooW8NfVsY3pEqphTgOg/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-1891694747445695172016-09-26T04:46:00.004-07:002016-09-26T20:27:37.001-07:00Summary of INTERVENTIONS DONE FOR NISHANT <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Speech and Language</b> : [Age 2.5 – 6 ,7-8 ] [Done by leading SLP’s in Bangalore ] His speech regressed from age 2 , Speech therapy was in place from age2,5 ..was vocal but inconsistent regressed his speech further at age 5 it complete stopped as oral imitation based drills were difficult for him [he had apraxia of speech also ].This intervention helped build receptive language and concepts for him<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Language and
Communication</b> : [Age 6- 9 ] Systematic methods -
PECS , VB/ABA[implemented by me using the actual manuals and some basic training] brought initiation and some learning
behavior and functional communication [thru PECS[ ..further improved by use of T<b>echnology </b>..Voca devices ..Clicker on
Touch screen Laptop and internet resources [Age 8 – 13] and ipad based ..Avaz
and Clicker6 [Age 14 onwards ]<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The programs in the book “<b>Teach me Language”</b> , “Do–
Watch –Listen– Say “ helped a lot to build advanced language concepts and communication <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>RPM</b> : [Age 8 –
current][implemented by me .. I trained under Soma ] Improved attention considerably , brought
learning behavior like sitting at table for 45 minutes , responding … helped to
bring consistency with response to written choices , improved speed of spelling
on letter chart and later on keyboard and ipad . Still needs intermittent prompting by
familiar partner to comfortably maintain attention and response. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>OT/SIT</b> [Age 3-6 ,
13-14, 16-17 ] Early OT [Done by leading OT in Bangalore ] brought about 20 %
change with coordination and planning the first time around ..Hyperactivity and sensory issues
remained or heightened .Later did a lot of activities from “Out of sync Child”
which helped .<br />
At older ages[done in Coimbatore ] OT had no effect at all.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gym and sports
training</b> [Privately done age 7
onwards to date ] – Built stamina , endurance ..developed cycling , walking ,,,both for
7-8 km , some ball skills [football /Basketball] but was unable to play sport
in team ..became more hyperactive with this but regular
massage helped to regulate this .<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Yoga :</b>[Age 13- 17
] and practiced intermittently thereafter ..really
helped with flexibility of joints .and improved coordination and planning
largely .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Perception enrichment
program</b> [Age 7-10 ] [Done by OT
from US who was in Bangalore or persons trained by her ] Improved visual
perception skills ..he started copying drawings and doing online jigsaw puzzles
etc .Later following Chalk board training [Kephart ][from a book] he started copying and writing at age 13 .Writing is not still his preferred response mode.We did millions of pre-writing programs before this which did not impact him. Loves Art esp on computer now<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Berad’s AIT</b> - Age 10 in CT ,USA – Helped with bringing down Auditory
sensitivity , visual and auditory stimming completely disappeared and listening
to multiple voices improved .He started listening to a range of music from
classical to pop ..including whatever we were playing for him from childhood
.Stopped watching videos repetitively .<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>TLP [The listening
Program ] [8 week program CD based </b>]
..Administered at age 17 ..Improved
/auditory/listening considerably ..started
responding to variety of instructors and requesting for music whenever he
needed to calm down [self regulation came in ]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Vision assessment and treatment</b> : [Age 12 ] ..by
Devt vision therapist [USA] ..was
prescribed prism glasses which he refused to wear consistently .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Behavior : </b>Regressed with speech programs where he was
forced to repeat orally [age 5-6] , Regressed with diet infractions [Sweets , and
heavy proteins including cheese , paneer and non veg] Crying , Sleep issues ,Hyperactivity age [Age 2-6] and later Hyperactivity ,Self injury [Age 13onwards] , regressed after mercury
amalgam filling at age 6.5 [Self injury ,Screaming ], Regressed after antibiotics use as well as DTP
vaccine [Age 9-10] [Sleep disturbance,Urine control] further regressed at puberty [age 11-12 ] chelation
??? [Self injury , Unable to focus ,hyperactivity], developed aimless walking [age 14 onwards ] when unengaged in special
school …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behavior severely regressed at age 18 transition to adulthood .Root cause was found to be gut issues ..when we treated for this 90% of behaviors went away. When he had stomach issues , he went through a period where he would get into sudden bouts of rage , shouting , severe self injury and aggression esp towards adult handling him .He communicated through ipad that he had severe stomach pain and was unable to regulate his rage .We helped him with medicines [Alopathic and Naturopathic ] to settle his stomach issues , diet ..reducing sugars and heavy proteins , lighter flexible schedule for activities , relaxation technique practice runs when he was calmer , Cognitive work for him to understand his body , digestion and sensory systems and Behavior etc etc . Now these have reduced to almost nil and are lower in duration and intensity and his hyperactivity has also gone away completely . ABA based techniques, Cognitive Behavior training , Sensory diet ,were in place always </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psychiatrist had suggested to increase mood medication [he is still on a low dose ..which we are hoping to wean off] and use restraint but did not so as we felt it is not tackling the root cause .</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Biomedical
treatments :<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Diet [GFCFSF] :A</b>ge[ 7- 13] – Helped to improve behavior and focus by 20% at the beginning and further
improved when we did Ayurvedic treatments and some internal herbs along with it
…Behavior became very manageable at age 9 ..9 – 11 he coped well in mainstream
school in the US , adapted to the new environment and new aide etc Tested
positive in urinary peptide test for Casein .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still reacts adversely to heavy animal protiens and sugars<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ayurvedic treatments
:</b> [Age 8- 10 ] and later age 13-16. ..Massage Dhara , Kizhi
and internally a few powders .Responded
very well ..reduced hyperactivity and Tactile issues . Improved attention and
regulated gut and allergies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gram + , Gram –ve ,
Antibiotics + Antifungal treatments</b> [suggested by Devt Paediatrician ,
Hyd] [Age 9.5] …Severe regression
including toilet training went away ..we stopped after couple of months and had to use naturopathic
and homeopathic medicines to recover his gut at that point .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>IV Chelation :[Age
11- 13]</b> ..no positive effects ..in
fact probably further regression and had to be mildly medicated with Resperidone at age 12 in
the US to remain in school due to mood swings and aggression .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Multiple Supplements </b> [including Supernuthera ,DMG Zinc ..tried almost
32 different ones ..not much effect ] Only Grapefruit seed extract and Probiotics
seemed to help with some improvement at that point . We are currently using GSE and Probiotics again from age 19 along with a Parasite killing protocol every 2-3 months
, which includes allopathic medicines , Castor oil , Neem , Activated charcoal
..sometimes local herbs and kashayams …and it has helped tremendously with his
stomach ailments and behavior <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>HBOT </b>[40 dives in
a soft chamber ] : [Age 12 ] No effect on him at that point .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cranioscharal therapy</b> [10 sittings at age 13, 5 sittings at age 19
] ..not much effect on him <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b>Hippotherapy</b> :Age [9-10] Bangalore ...No significant gains but enjoyed the activity and loved the horses</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mainstream Schooling
with support</b> :Play school [age 2-3] Montessori age 3-7 Mainstream school in Bangalore [Class 1-3] - helped him with early literacy skills .peer
interaction .Helped us to understand
teaching goals and social goals and work
towards outcomes.In the US for first 1,5 years did well in mainstream with an aide helping him then had to be transferred to special section due to behavior issues in 6th grade . Always supplemented by my constant work with him to understand
concepts through experiential learning, visuals and videos and RPM<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Special School</b>
:Age 13- 17 ..Helped with learning some splinter vocational skills but
communication and behavior went down and learning was maintained only by 1-1 work with me . He liked being with a group of students his age and that was a plus .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Skill training program @Amaze </b>Age
17- current :20 years [10am – 5pm ] -Computer skills , Literacy ,
Lamination , Cooking , Gardening , Social skills ART, Music , Movement , Drama
, Fitness , sports....<br />
<br />
He is focused and responsible ..self regulated ,
follows his schedule ..works with minimum supervision with multiple adults
.Communication has improved tremendously both through ipad and using gestures
and body language .Social skills are good .Does computer based work [Graphics
and Ms Office ] , Lamination , Cooking .Some fatigue and laziness on some days .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100% independent ..in fact does multiple chores at home ..many
without prompting example :he has taken it as his responsibility ..example bringing in
the milk in the morning and keeping the packets in the fridge ,chopping vegetables ,making tea ,laundry etc..72 year old grandmother is able to manage him
easily when parents are not around though he is 6 foot tall . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Adventure and travel:</b> [Age 1-current ]We did this more often before initiation of Amaze and he enjoyed and adapted thoroughly ..We
have traveled the world by Air and in India by road and train . Of late as we are busy as a family we are travelling less
..nevertheless enjoys himself …earlier would be super excited in a beach or
mountain or with animals ..now is just okay with it ..very adult reaction I think .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Drama for Autism</b>
: [since 16 years ] mostly implemented by me under guidance of Dr Ram ..I have used these techniques individually and
in a group sitting at Amaze with very good improvement in the areas of
initiation , imitation ,joint attention social reciprocity , using the body and
sounds to communicate , group skills like turn taking , waiting , following
group instructions etc<br />
Also Art , Movement and Music based techniques learnt at
the Velvi festivals have helped students with engagement and exploration ,
general calmness and well being , learning to have fun in a group etc etc …<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Technology based
intervention</b> : I have been using technology for him since age 1.5 even when
he was not diagnosed he would love interactive games on the computer and I have
always used it as a tool for teaching and engagement rather than as a baby
sitter .He uses technology in all spheres
now …his ipad is his lifeline [Communication ], leisure tool [Music , Youtube
videos[ususally cooking shows] , Games] , uses it as a memory bag ..loves to browse old photos and videos …Computer
also for literacy ,creativity and vocational skills<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-79394073262583042412016-09-21T19:22:00.004-07:002016-09-26T08:23:29.793-07:00Pune Camp Oct 22-24 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zaEm-iwffZh_nZRyC8WCzql9keYxk6gkPFo5iZY52U8GkbCdhinIy3rs24xKUovI5znBc_ZYdsrYUNHNkvihZIeHwGiBqFxE_iEUvdGfWuLNaE4NRmG0ruEZEjpkgMwLWtg-X29aY4/s1600/Flyer+22+to+24+Oct+16+Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zaEm-iwffZh_nZRyC8WCzql9keYxk6gkPFo5iZY52U8GkbCdhinIy3rs24xKUovI5znBc_ZYdsrYUNHNkvihZIeHwGiBqFxE_iEUvdGfWuLNaE4NRmG0ruEZEjpkgMwLWtg-X29aY4/s640/Flyer+22+to+24+Oct+16+Camp.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-53393909634539475892016-09-21T19:20:00.000-07:002016-09-21T19:20:08.352-07:00Understand disability<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/other-news/Indian-couple-in-US-sued-over-autistic-sons-behaviour/articleshow/49026482.cms" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/articlesh…/49026482.cms</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
As a parent of a person with Autism who exhibits self injurious behavior and aggression at times I am deeply hurt and confused by incidents such as these which I have experienced in different contexts and witnessed as well as heard /read about .</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
My husband <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000146299719" href="https://www.facebook.com/sriram.narayan.39" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Sriram Narayan</a> and I have done more than our best ,,,we have spent most of our time, money and energies towards rehabilitating him with the best therapies an<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">d education /training available wherever we lived . I have trained myself in the field and been successful in establishing alternate ways of communication for him as he does not speak.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
We have made lifestyle changes to accommodate his needs and help him pursue his interests. We have been active in advocacy and awareness drives so that the disorder is recognized for what it is and appropriate services are provided .We have always mentored and supported other parents who were with us in this journey Where there were no services to accommodate students like him we have initiated our own innovative solutions .</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
In spite of this he does have challenging behavior - he is self injurious and sometimes aggressive towards adults who are supervising or facilitating him .While we constantly work on reducing the triggers for such behaviors ,It is not possible to be present 24/7 , always predict triggers or guard him from self injury or guard others from getting hurt !!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
As we grow older we feel the need for systems to support and help him ..systems we are trying to create ..however without the help , understanding and support of the larger mainstream community it will be impossible .</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
This is a mother’s appeal to society in general..to try to understand disability better ,, to accommodate and be more open minded to social diversity . to stop blaming and start joining in .Together perhaps we will have a better chance of making things easier.... first of all for persons with disabilities , secondly their families and caregivers who deal with this on a daily basis and finally society in general .</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
At this juncture I would also like to acknowledge and thank family members , friends ,professionals who serve our children and some complete strangers who have stood by us and supported us ..hope this will in no way diminish your awesomeness <span class="_47e3" style="font-family: inherit;" title="smile emoticon"><i aria-hidden="1" class="img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v3/yl/r/NtxfCiWWu4q.png"); background-position: 0px -340px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i><span aria-hidden="1" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">:-)</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-27043518452665588992015-08-24T02:55:00.001-07:002015-08-24T02:55:47.602-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgySNz6O3sunwnMAMftJNbqzLfYrhvSLzkgBCOjHxIYLUshetavafTLZIEkHroLGNStcBOv5DV781H6JTujGC7eVuoYrQtlwLWTqd2nQh5T11l1H0BL-KG1v0zduAH7zadUZ8w0X00w8w/s1600/Adventure+camp+-Pune+-+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgySNz6O3sunwnMAMftJNbqzLfYrhvSLzkgBCOjHxIYLUshetavafTLZIEkHroLGNStcBOv5DV781H6JTujGC7eVuoYrQtlwLWTqd2nQh5T11l1H0BL-KG1v0zduAH7zadUZ8w0X00w8w/s640/Adventure+camp+-Pune+-+2015.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-76677205489501592702015-08-24T02:52:00.001-07:002015-08-24T03:48:07.375-07:00ADVENTURE CAMPS for AUTISM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.1pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGmuQX3s29rAEIJBl7dvEqCIwBKjlWSBkFqnmJlrkOpIXSqXv8uz5vmXvhize3Psv4-fvshv3ocZZsrEU7MYQ3uPmGbC3HB7Q1ceEN6_1GQnIIzaEnLmBB6pVz3io4rggN1reP0C3L7Q/s1600/P1040186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGmuQX3s29rAEIJBl7dvEqCIwBKjlWSBkFqnmJlrkOpIXSqXv8uz5vmXvhize3Psv4-fvshv3ocZZsrEU7MYQ3uPmGbC3HB7Q1ceEN6_1GQnIIzaEnLmBB6pVz3io4rggN1reP0C3L7Q/s320/P1040186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.1pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adventure camps for
person with special needs especially Autism is a unique experience being
offered .This concept was pioneered by The AMAZE Charitable Trust, Coimbatore
in collaboration with NALS Outdoors Put Ltd, Coimbatore <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since 2011 AMAZE in
collaboration with NALS have conducted 7 Adventure Camps for children persons
with special needs and their Families. Six Camps have been conducted in the
NALS Coonoor Campus and one in the NALS Manali Campus .More than 150 persons
have benefited by the camps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The campsites are set
in the serene atmosphere of the Nilgiri hills or the Himalayas. Families find
the camps a refreshing outing away from home, packed with activities for young
and old, testing their limits of fear and endurance. High rope activities like
Burma bridge Sloth walk ,Commando net , Flying fox ,Rock climbing and Rappelling and Treks keep the children and
families engaged and active through the camp duration .The camps are also lots
of fun and families develop new friendships and bonds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">AMAZE is organising an Adventure camp near Pune between ,2-4 October 2015 .Please see the events section for details </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Benefits
of Adventure Activities and Family Camps</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYDSSktfDiS2M3RbDjcoTfhA5y976yFey1dqU_whL4ri5Fc_q3lTzZIdDOuX0nT1fxV6BTE9HeCtwJsOm9j7b1DNI99EOqMQIakn7aPaQzdpI2yxzgut_iKz8Yfw43ZjC0jSSEJD_m00/s1600/adventure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYDSSktfDiS2M3RbDjcoTfhA5y976yFey1dqU_whL4ri5Fc_q3lTzZIdDOuX0nT1fxV6BTE9HeCtwJsOm9j7b1DNI99EOqMQIakn7aPaQzdpI2yxzgut_iKz8Yfw43ZjC0jSSEJD_m00/s640/adventure.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Based on the feedback and
anecdotal experiences of the camp participants, the following benefits have
been observed:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Physical benefits:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> Improved Health and Fitness <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The camps often reveal the
importance of health and fitness as well as the benefits of regular exercise
and exposure to nature .Subsequent the camps the participants often include such activities in their regular
routine and this improves their health and fitness levels .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Improved Motor skills, Better attention and Concentration <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The children and persons with
disability who attend the camp sometime show gains in motor areas like motor
planning and coordination and spatial perception .Regular exposure to rope activities like
brought better fine motor grasp for some participants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Also the trekking activities
helped to regulate the hyperactivity of some participants and channelize it in
a positive manner .Attention and concentration for cognitive activities
improved after regular exposure to such activities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Social benefits </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Children develop group skills and social skills <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The activities on the camp site
are usually done as a group. This involves following group instructions , working
as a team , waiting for ones turn ,adjusting change of plan depending on
conditions like weather and so on .These form a great learning experience for children with Autism who often have
difficulties in these areas . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Social skills are developed as
they need to share dormitories or tents
, eat as a group and play and engage with each other in the free time
.Sometimes typical siblings are also attending the camps and this gives them an
opportunity to interact in an inclusive setting . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Families develop bond with other families in the same boat.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Families with persons with
special needs are often socially isolated .Catering to the needs of the person
with special needs often drains their resources in terms of time, money and energy.
Social stigma and lack of social awareness about disability also isolates such families.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At the camps the families get to
meet other families just like theirs , they seem to bond quite effortlessly
despite varying backgrounds and form lifetime bonds .They understand each other’s
struggles and successes and share a stigma free atmosphere in the camps . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Attitudinal <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Children develop positive attitude and overcome fear <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
During the camps we often find
some children attempt with ease, the activities that look scary even to neurotypical
adults. This often encourages other children and adults to try the activities
and helps them overcome their fears .This translates into confidence in other
areas that could have been viewed with fear earlier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Families have more belief in the potential of their children <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When children complete
challenging activities, families often develop more confidence about the
ability and potential of their children in other areas of life where they may
be lacking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Stress relief <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Being with nature and doing fun activities<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Camps are usually set in the
serene environment of the hills .Surrounded by greenery and breathing fresh
mountain air is therapeutic by itself. Doing fun activities in such an
atmosphere where there is no access to distractions like the TV or internet or
video games make one truly refreshed after the experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A much needed break from the routine <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The camps provide a well deserved
break for the families and children away from the routine and home .Away from technology,
with no need to do household chores or office work, the families enjoy the
comfortably paced routines at the camps and leave happy and refreshed.</div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-30170032693045437882015-04-02T22:57:00.001-07:002015-04-02T22:57:50.492-07:00Upcoming Adventure camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqcA_sOXrl34U701Yi1G0j4TzXl2u4eLbNrfVPnGzIbXmTXGRrZWqmRoypA8HIbJllpBmgutBNNAj-IyNPgkLcxp9H5UxnFjO-HAi3utJfY8594IJ0BBykbSwxYHMbo0l9ztxN1o3YXI/s1600/NALSFcamp2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqcA_sOXrl34U701Yi1G0j4TzXl2u4eLbNrfVPnGzIbXmTXGRrZWqmRoypA8HIbJllpBmgutBNNAj-IyNPgkLcxp9H5UxnFjO-HAi3utJfY8594IJ0BBykbSwxYHMbo0l9ztxN1o3YXI/s1600/NALSFcamp2015.png" height="359" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWGVhIW5xw2VS3Kebagkmv7tV2dWd-BRAfe-MUj7f9RJcN2mWM48h2nZHJPsxkpQvVQlsUaLBfKvBLh4W6eaWnyBwoqH0ZXrORU6NbxspNveOBRLcDK_EdIJSjeHU7rfS3TldsECZCZU/s1600/NALSFcamp2015-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWGVhIW5xw2VS3Kebagkmv7tV2dWd-BRAfe-MUj7f9RJcN2mWM48h2nZHJPsxkpQvVQlsUaLBfKvBLh4W6eaWnyBwoqH0ZXrORU6NbxspNveOBRLcDK_EdIJSjeHU7rfS3TldsECZCZU/s1600/NALSFcamp2015-1.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-31621427244427877982015-01-18T08:44:00.000-08:002015-01-18T08:44:36.593-08:00ART for Autism Festival and ART Exhibition <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkC8YxB6AOZ3pIgjLRF5x385ij4zy5x_GsQ6rO87F4Q18zednxqdrPwkvUYec1ogetpqPpj0axjl527cZQhYOdZ6IpEIw2zEH5SpuhkhiBrKaSAQsors-XgLACn5l6sQyvNVBLH9G4J8/s1600/E-Invite+to+ART+for+Autism+Festival-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkC8YxB6AOZ3pIgjLRF5x385ij4zy5x_GsQ6rO87F4Q18zednxqdrPwkvUYec1ogetpqPpj0axjl527cZQhYOdZ6IpEIw2zEH5SpuhkhiBrKaSAQsors-XgLACn5l6sQyvNVBLH9G4J8/s1600/E-Invite+to+ART+for+Autism+Festival-1.jpg" height="473" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-iN2jI30l_cxoqsLI41IJ71ws7FqJPqVKTqn1SyR9D7NlvgcQ5IHMVlwOkGClbMunoBihuzko7Vr8DsOxSfMafRrXUISMUrPXhwKf9c7fJ39wJ6B7ZAp1brvZrlQi7BLOf2qnsGvPdU/s1600/E-Invite+to+ART+for+Autism+Festival-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-iN2jI30l_cxoqsLI41IJ71ws7FqJPqVKTqn1SyR9D7NlvgcQ5IHMVlwOkGClbMunoBihuzko7Vr8DsOxSfMafRrXUISMUrPXhwKf9c7fJ39wJ6B7ZAp1brvZrlQi7BLOf2qnsGvPdU/s1600/E-Invite+to+ART+for+Autism+Festival-2.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5JbiTynSXJ5CMKsAllzi5KsCLFRgI5J2kj9KzhfAO3oDrxhXQAtftTY2Xqd8LcrmtajLULzZWLW09LXxmBxtk9Ds2z2SU5Ih9lAqb_pAtveX82FPoJJtMbcHiAx8BmXgHl3AJWnrdX0/s1600/E-Invite+Art+Exhibition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5JbiTynSXJ5CMKsAllzi5KsCLFRgI5J2kj9KzhfAO3oDrxhXQAtftTY2Xqd8LcrmtajLULzZWLW09LXxmBxtk9Ds2z2SU5Ih9lAqb_pAtveX82FPoJJtMbcHiAx8BmXgHl3AJWnrdX0/s1600/E-Invite+Art+Exhibition.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-53258976586064359662014-09-28T20:26:00.000-07:002014-10-02T22:26:57.442-07:00A Treasured Tradition: Bommai Golu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XwGsKnajfD4RsTLwtfP2lrx72YGVOynT4bGlPnyYkwVqahOaSVQBOgrSiViohYJ7_8jAodsQnk859clSEk9hQppO-5P1oaHARv3jkuPmFWD9Eo4T6_iCrHkz5ofe3Q5NVXpCDqvMr3U/s1600/P1020454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XwGsKnajfD4RsTLwtfP2lrx72YGVOynT4bGlPnyYkwVqahOaSVQBOgrSiViohYJ7_8jAodsQnk859clSEk9hQppO-5P1oaHARv3jkuPmFWD9Eo4T6_iCrHkz5ofe3Q5NVXpCDqvMr3U/s1600/P1020454.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Growing up in a joint family with
my paternal grandparents ensured that I was exposed to a host of South Indian traditions
and stories in spite of living in remote towns all over the country. One of my favorite
events was always the “Bommai Golu” [Festival of Dolls] for Navaratri [Dussherah].</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> Preparations for “Golu” started with the
excitement of unpacking the boxes that contained these traditional dolls made
out of mud and painted colorfully …there were Gods and Goddesses of all kinds’ animals,
birds and miniature toys - kitchen sets in brass, wood and stone. The Golu Padi
[steps] on which the dolls are displayed, would be hastily constructed with the
metal boxes that we had a huge supply of [since my father was in a transferable
government job]. A colorful Rangoli was drawn in front of the display and lamps
were lit. A “ Kalasam” …a brass pot filled with rice and mango leaves stuck on the rice was placed in
front of the Golu . </i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hyphenhyphenCMkOceJeAPwjbdLGTkNOxkd9fSLPobumMOB_mqbNNYIsprKV2Pffv2QXHvR8XGj9aOrJ68ufESvvurLuC1GnReTOd2OC3YdAidkLBLvhyhu2Bl0Bu1xMVvELds_B2xu55TP_7FzB4/s1600/P1020455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hyphenhyphenCMkOceJeAPwjbdLGTkNOxkd9fSLPobumMOB_mqbNNYIsprKV2Pffv2QXHvR8XGj9aOrJ68ufESvvurLuC1GnReTOd2OC3YdAidkLBLvhyhu2Bl0Bu1xMVvELds_B2xu55TP_7FzB4/s1600/P1020455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We also recreated number of scenes like a wedding ,
temple , village ,farm , a grocery shop
,a forest , a pond , a zoo and so on . This meant creating
landscapes or “scenes” with a story . Mustard and ragi seeds would be planted and
sprouted to form the grass on soil . Art and craft work would be done to create
trees and houses and shops and roads . The
dolls were dressed up according to the scenes .</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On all the nine days we had to
wear our “Pattu Pavadais” [Silk skirts ]
and visit the other South Indian houses to see their Golu displays .We
would be asked to sing a song which was
the prerequisite for receiving the tasty “Sundal “ packets
.Sundal is a boiled lentil or
Gram seasoned with oil , coconut and spices
.My mother would cook a different one each day and we would rate the
best sundal of the day among the houses we visited .</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> Some days we would be the hosts and it would
mean serving the tasty treats and giving out the Haldi /Kum Kum and “Vettalai
–Pakku” [Betel leaf and Betel nut] usually with a Blouse piece, Coconut and a
string of jasmine flowers for the ladies who visit. I remember one year I was
at my maternal grandmother’s house for Golu and she actually dressed me up each
day as a different God or mythological character...Krishna, Andal, Durga,
Shakuntala etc etc.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Golu experience taught me
such a lot …I learnt many mythological stories...the Dashavataram , stories from Ramayana , Krishna Leela , the
story of Durga ,Shakuntala and many more folk lores . The dolls, the dress up, the stories, the
songs … were a multisensory experience which stayed with me for years. Planning
for and setting up the Golu and planning the visits helped develop organization
skills social skills and an aesthetic sense. This was such a wonderful way of
recreating stories old and new...mythological and modern ….rural and urban.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyAmmZwFpU2VbOBCGb29HE6oaO9yRVRu2vw61okBZ431Uc0eAl8vCEtGJL-Z7BdLPCN__WJmiv8oNWwWXbcvo5arZI7vDYQYegiIhvkHi2Qpo7zsUp0nZcuH8IflGWT2NLWbhtrg2wgw/s1600/P1020417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyAmmZwFpU2VbOBCGb29HE6oaO9yRVRu2vw61okBZ431Uc0eAl8vCEtGJL-Z7BdLPCN__WJmiv8oNWwWXbcvo5arZI7vDYQYegiIhvkHi2Qpo7zsUp0nZcuH8IflGWT2NLWbhtrg2wgw/s1600/P1020417.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></i></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Social stories are techniques
that we use to reinforce certain rules for behavior and social situations for
children with Autism. Art Music and Drama techniques help them learn communication
skills and social behavior. Hence I felt that the story telling with the dolls
and the sensory experiences of the “Golu” will help our children in many ways and
we decided to create these experiences for our students at AMAZE. Since it was the first time, we used just a
few Gods for the traditional setup and then decided to create a model Zoo as a project.
</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Zoo project was a hit with the
students of all ages and they got
involved right from the brainstorming session of what we should do , drawing a
plan of the layout , setting up the
landscape for the Zoo …creating pathways , fences , sign posts .The most
exciting parts for the children was setting up the play area and car park . The adults were excited with the creation of
the “Waterfall” ! The whole process seemed to stimulate everyone’s imagination
and our children on the spectrum were extremely involved and cooperative
through the process. The Zoo is still a work in progress with everyone still
popping up with more ideas.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ZZHdQel-xiD-Iw1pVBDuPhRvno4Iuy_wUu5gAnea-O_feB1lAigW1Hep4Po6Bg6CJRnwzoNQPqdkSARmX5QQ_G9fpSQ7gRM1uEUziMSKuc3l3s880GdRdUv4eL4vzzAD91HaykDWf0/s1600/P1020456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ZZHdQel-xiD-Iw1pVBDuPhRvno4Iuy_wUu5gAnea-O_feB1lAigW1Hep4Po6Bg6CJRnwzoNQPqdkSARmX5QQ_G9fpSQ7gRM1uEUziMSKuc3l3s880GdRdUv4eL4vzzAD91HaykDWf0/s1600/P1020456.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed Zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>One of our little ones...all of 5
years finally christened it <b>“Mowgli’s Jungle</b>“ since he spotted his favorite
Baloo the bear and Sher Khan the tiger …so that is what we are calling it ….You
are all welcome to visit our Zoo and Golu at our <b>Activity center @ 4/255,
Thangavelu Street, NGGO colony .We are planning to perform “Saraswati Pooja” on 1
Oct 2014, Wednesday at around 3.30 pm .</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>. </i></span></div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-73034948710078838192013-09-16T09:10:00.005-07:002013-09-17T03:48:17.247-07:00AMAZE Charitable Trust and NALS Announce 4rth Adventure camp for Special Children/Persons and their Families<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This
camp is specially organized for families of children with intellectual
disabilities, which includes the special child accompanied by parents,
caretakers, siblings, grandparents (!!), or any other adults/children who would
like to join in the experience !!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
April for the past 3 years , some families of children with intellectual
disabilities spent 2days /2 nights at the NALS campus in Colacumby/Manjakombe ,
Nilgiris. There is a lot of bonding between the families that happens in the
camp and relationships are formed that last beyond the camp ......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It was
a wonderful experience and there a many enquiries so this year we are having a
second camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #474b4e; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:160.5pt;
height:213.75pt'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Welcome\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="DSCN5360"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->
<span style="color: #dd6599; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=""
style='width:162.75pt;height:216.75pt' o:button="t">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Welcome\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"
o:href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GlhiBghY4A/TbZoi-IsMqI/AAAAAAAABq0/LqZK6czZgy8/s320/DSCN5422.JPG"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span> </span><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">During
our stay at the campsite, NALS is committed to give us a good time by exposing
us to rope activities , rock climbing , rappelling group games and trekking around the campus. </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.nals.in/">http://www.nals.in/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp dates: 18/19/20 October 2013 [Two
nights]</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Proposed camp schedule: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We propose to reach the campsite @ 5.00 pm on
Friday, 18 October 2013, and leave the campsite @ 5.00 pm on Sunday, 20 October
2013. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp Cost: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Adult/Child above
5 years = Rs.2900/-per person<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Special Child
above 5 years = Rs.1500/- per child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Any child below 5
years = FREE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt;">If family is unable
to accompany the special person we can
arrange for trained aides to take care of the person –</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Please indicate clearly
in your response if you need a aide for your ward <i> .He/she should be able to
communicate his/her basic needs through any mode .<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt;">Cost of Aide will be Rs 2,900/-<i> </i></span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
cost includes full meals, snacks, dormitory type accommodation and guided out-door
activities for 2 two full days. The cost does not include the transport to and
from the campsite. For the journey from Coimbatore to Manjakombe and back, we propose to hire a bus and share
the cost. Please confirm participation early enough so that bus with adequate
seating capacity can be arranged. There is limited accommodation available,
hence we request you confirm early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Confirm by sending us an email or calling us and we
will forward futher details and the Regstration form to you. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sriram
Narayan – 9025122233 OR Akila -
9791823043 <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Email : <a href="mailto:nirala44@yahoo.co.in">nirala44@yahoo.co.in</a>
OR </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="mailto:amaze1209@gmail.com">amaze1209@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-11612203763046101782013-01-29T20:17:00.002-08:002013-01-29T20:17:49.965-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">AMAZE TRUST & NALS Announce</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">3<sup>rd</sup> Adventure camp for Children with Intellectual disabilities and Families</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXT1QUExGfqKh-H5FKXGK6XkvWZE3q2CUmEbpPbSm1HCSsv3uWRDx9rbiNWJTGRE3hrvjJ89W97qI0GTUwnnOSC17bZWOVz8n0O8Y4FU9WgJUN3GHJrsF3cmMqwY-DNmYNdLLysYP0RY/s1600/DSCN0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXT1QUExGfqKh-H5FKXGK6XkvWZE3q2CUmEbpPbSm1HCSsv3uWRDx9rbiNWJTGRE3hrvjJ89W97qI0GTUwnnOSC17bZWOVz8n0O8Y4FU9WgJUN3GHJrsF3cmMqwY-DNmYNdLLysYP0RY/s200/DSCN0124.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp dates:</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <b>1-3
March 2013 [</b>3 days /two nights]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Location:</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
Pembroke Estate, Manjacombai, the Nilgiris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">W</span></u></b><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ho can participate?</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 14.2pt; text-indent: -14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 14.2pt; text-indent: -14.2pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Special child/adult accompanied with parents, caretakers, siblings,
grandparents (!!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 14.2pt; text-indent: -14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 14.2pt; text-indent: -14.2pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Friends who would like to join in the experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Proposed camp schedule: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We propose to reach the campsite @ 4.00 pm on
Friday, 1 March 2013, and leave the campsite @ 4.00 pm on Sunday, 3 March 2013.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp Cost: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Adult/Child above 5 years = Rs.2800/-per person<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Special Child above 5 years =
Rs.1400/- per child</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Any child below 5 years = FREE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">If family is unable to accompany the special child we can arrange
for trained aides to take care of the child –</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Please
indicate clearly in your response if you need an aide for your child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Cost of Aide will be
Rs 2,800/-<i> </i></span></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
cost includes full meals, snacks, dormitory type accommodation and guided out-door
activities for 2 two full days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
cost does not include the transport to and from the campsite. For the journey
from Coimbatore to Manjacombai and back, we propose to hire a bus and share the
cost. Please confirm participation early enough so that bus with adequate
seating capacity can be arranged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There is limited accommodation available, hence we
request you confirm early.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Confirm by sending us an email or calling us and we
will forward father details and the Registration </span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">form to you. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sriram Narayan –
9025122233 OR Akila - 9791823043 <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></i></b>
Email : nirala44@yahoo.co.in,</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="mailto:amaze1209@gmail.com">amaze1209@gmail.com</a></span></i></b></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-35993165894252445202012-09-09T20:56:00.001-07:002016-01-28T19:00:03.088-08:00CRAWLING OUT OF THE BLACK HOLE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CRAWLING OUT OF THE BLACK HOLE </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you seem so out of control </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With your body and mind .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you cry so inconsolably,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When even my touch repulsive you find,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your screams deafen my ears</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And rip my heart apart</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sound of your body ramming against the bed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shatters my existence into a million parts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is when I hear the silence of the universe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That created you and me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But does not know how to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Repair our destiny .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We seem to be in this black hole</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With no light of hope</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With no help and no answers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And no way to cope .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then within me somewhere</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hear the voice of hope shout</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so I promise you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That I will find a way out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don’t know where the answer lies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I resolve to end your cries</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To stand beside you in your pain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To hold you though it may seem in vain</span> .</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiD-8fIhzT8c33aYWR4FMt35BnReFuWlaYy-ebLOMPwsT4411_w0CDXRIvhDtQZISTUMDdd-iCNGA1AhHbxXZdvGQ_0EeZsYdIsHLi1HdZq29gb4yyMrI4HbNDym3ubVkPUlNzM5P4zI/s1600/nishu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiD-8fIhzT8c33aYWR4FMt35BnReFuWlaYy-ebLOMPwsT4411_w0CDXRIvhDtQZISTUMDdd-iCNGA1AhHbxXZdvGQ_0EeZsYdIsHLi1HdZq29gb4yyMrI4HbNDym3ubVkPUlNzM5P4zI/s1600/nishu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiD-8fIhzT8c33aYWR4FMt35BnReFuWlaYy-ebLOMPwsT4411_w0CDXRIvhDtQZISTUMDdd-iCNGA1AhHbxXZdvGQ_0EeZsYdIsHLi1HdZq29gb4yyMrI4HbNDym3ubVkPUlNzM5P4zI/s640/nishu.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiD-8fIhzT8c33aYWR4FMt35BnReFuWlaYy-ebLOMPwsT4411_w0CDXRIvhDtQZISTUMDdd-iCNGA1AhHbxXZdvGQ_0EeZsYdIsHLi1HdZq29gb4yyMrI4HbNDym3ubVkPUlNzM5P4zI/s1600/nishu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Picture of Nishant coming out of a tunnel slide when he was around 3 ...in Auckland , NZ</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The toughest part of having a child with Autism for me
was when he broke down inconsolably and
I did know why and didn’t know what to do .I would question my own abilities and beliefs and feel so helpless .It is in hard times like these that I have faced my own truths ,
and got in touch with my most vulnerable
parts and cried out to the universe for help . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In these horrible moments sometimes I felt so lonely and
isolated in my pain that i felt there was no universe around ..it was one large silent black hole
with nowhere to go and no one to lean on . Sometimes I felt so blank that there
were not even echoes of the screeches of my
child or my own pleading sobs .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is in moments like this that I have been able to somehow
get in touch with the “Shakti” in me
that is able to create hope ..hope that this moment will pass and I will find a
way out of the black hole and be in touch with creation again . This is when my
“Shakti” would help me make this promise to my child ..a promise that helps me
to live each moment of my life to date ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Sweetheart , I do not know what is bothering you and you don’t know how to tell me , but no matter
what I will be beside you and surely I will find a way to teach you to get in
touch with what is bothering you and tell me sometime so I can help you better .
I will not blame you or myself ..we are
both together in this... fighting AUTISM . I love
you .. and I will be always be there for you ..I really want to hold you and
comfort you ,,,but I know you are not ready now ..I will wait right here for
you to get ready for me to hold you .“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Once I said this to
him ...sometimes once ..sometimes a hundred times over ...he would start calming
down after a while he would let me hold
him and then slowly go to sleep in my arms ....And yes there have been times
when he would not let me comfort me at all and then I would leave him alone for
a while and wait outside his door for him to calm down on his own .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These incidents of inconsolable crying started happening when
he was around three and went on till he was much older .Once he learnt to
communicate through pictures and words they reduced a bit , they really came
down when he was on the GFCF sugar free diet .They went up in the pre puberty period again
[age 11- 15] and then almost completely
disappeared .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Along with the
inconsolable crying [which would last on an average for an hour ] he had self
injurious behavior like scratching his own face ..biting his own hand , scratching
others ..very rarely biting others ,kicking people and things [once he broke
our car windshield] and so on ... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He is sixteen now and cries very rarely and hurts himself
and others very rarely .A stable routine with a variety of things to do , independence
with his activities of daily living , 2 hours of physical exercise including
yoga and cycling and trekking , sticking mostly to the diet with less sugar and
milk , lots of music throughout the day , Ayurvedic massages , herbal treatments
for his Candida and being able to
understand what we speak , reason , and of course last but not the least communicate with his pictures , VOCA or letterchart
[ as in RPM] have all helped him along
with our love and patience .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today he is strong enough and sensitive enough to bring me a
tissue when I cry and hold me when I am down !!</span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-37975844633956617002012-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:002012-03-05T05:00:49.895-08:002nd Adventure camp for Children with Intellectual disabilities and Families<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This camp is specially organized for families of children with intellectual disabilities, which includes the special child accompanied with parents, caretakers, siblings, grandparents (!!), or any other adults/children who would like to join in the experience !!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Last year, in April, some families of children with intellectual disabilities spent 1 night at the NALS campus in Colacumby, Nilgiris. It was a wonderful experience and we all resolved to return back again this year, for 2 night stay. To view a detailed review of our experience last year visit <span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://navigatetheautismmaze.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #dd6599;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NALS, the organizers, have confirmed the dates for this year too. This year we will be spending 2 nights on the campus which gives us all 24 hours more to bond, and experience a lot more of the outdoors. Furthermore we will all be together as one extended family. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">During our stay at the campsite, NALS is committed to give us a good time by exposing us to rope activities, walking alongside a stream, splashing around in a safe water-body and trekking around the campus. </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><a href="http://www.nals.in/"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.nals.in/</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp dates: 13/14/15 April 2012 [Two nights]</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Proposed camp schedule: <i>We propose to reach the campsite @ 4.00 pm on Friday, 13 April 2012, and leave the campsite @ 4.00 pm on Sunday, 15 April 2012. </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp Cost: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Adult/Child above 5 years = Rs.2800/-per person<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Special Child above 5 years = Rs.1400/- per child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Any child below 5 years = FREE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">If family is unable to accompany the special child we can arrange for trained aides to take care of the child –</span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Please indicate clearly in your response if you need a aide for your child .<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Cost of Aide will be Rs 2,800/-<i> </i></span></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The cost includes full meals, snacks, dormitory type accommodation and guided out-door activities for 2 two full days.The cost does not include the transport to and from the campsite.For the journey from Coimbatore to Colacumby and back, we propose to hire a bus and share the cost. Please confirm participation early enough so that bus with adequate seating capacity can be arranged.There is limited accommodation available, hence we request you confirm early.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Confirm by sending us an email or calling us and we will forward futher details and the Regstration form to you. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sriram Narayan – 9025122233 OR Akila - 9791823043 Email : nirala44@yahoo.co.in<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please tear here OR send details by email…..<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I / we confirm that the following members will be attending the <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Adventure Camp for children with Intellectual disabilities and their families “ on 13/14/15 April 2012 at Colacumby, Nilgiris – NALS campsite .<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Name Age Relationship to person with disability<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1,_________________________________ ______ _____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2._________________________________ ______ _____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3._________________________________ ______ _____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4._________________________________ ______ _____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Contact phone number: ___________________________email id: ____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-44329711593120381972011-04-28T07:55:00.000-07:002015-08-24T10:46:52.827-07:00Adventure training camp with NALS 23.24 April 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The Adventure training camp with families and children with special needs was a great success .Seven Families - five from Coimbatore and two from Bangalore joined us .We all met at our home and went up by bus from Coimbatore to The NALS campsite at Colacumby , 20 km off Coonoor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was pouring when we left at around 2.30 pm and our hearts were down...wondering what we will be able to do in the pouring rain. The rain seemed to lighten up enroute and our spirits soared a bit .It was still drizzling at 6.30pm when we reached the Sultana Estate where the campsite is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were given a warm welcome by Lt Seshadhri and his team at the estate gates and they rode with us to the Dormitory where we were to stay .We had some lovely Chai and biscuits and generally sat around talking to each other .We were then allocated our rooms and we settled down .At 8.00 pm dinner was served .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tummies full we were all ready for some action but the rain would not let up so we decided to liven up the atmosphere ourselves .Moms and kids played Oranges and Lemons and Dumb Charades while the Dads chatted away .The siblings had a great time too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I briefed the team about our children as they were still having some apprehensions about safety and also ,they did not feel confident communicating with our kid’s .One of the other moms also joined me and after 15 minutes they were all confident about the whole thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6VtTDJHAvsm4O5c1QX_WIBdwKNnLVHtBQFOH33QfkMY2nJWnT4VaIGvtyFlyIlLCTM5c6I9ER_sLDAy203_nZTAh3ozHPQZ6dfO_vk3u1XVJHeVJDWJxWIKXBVUte_33PmL2j8dGwgo/s1600/DSCN5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6VtTDJHAvsm4O5c1QX_WIBdwKNnLVHtBQFOH33QfkMY2nJWnT4VaIGvtyFlyIlLCTM5c6I9ER_sLDAy203_nZTAh3ozHPQZ6dfO_vk3u1XVJHeVJDWJxWIKXBVUte_33PmL2j8dGwgo/s320/DSCN5249.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Later into the night the NALS team entertained us with a beautiful Himachali folk dance .This really broke the ice and the children and the adults were all out there showing off their talents. Reluctantly we retired to our rooms at 11.00pm as we had to wake up by 5.30 am to start trekking at 6.30 am .The bunk beds were really comfortable and soon we dozed off...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiadnRlReaqbgdhKasYcyZBeRkUVsN7EooIuFWeHlj4qeBsUEAym1_MTRP9gF7tourKnotg_56klDy6ym3bwaZQVHew8Lfz7Z9cYSSG8p1JxBTvb3NX5Qm97vBQ6HcBT_OO89KthW3l4/s1600/DSCN5265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiadnRlReaqbgdhKasYcyZBeRkUVsN7EooIuFWeHlj4qeBsUEAym1_MTRP9gF7tourKnotg_56klDy6ym3bwaZQVHew8Lfz7Z9cYSSG8p1JxBTvb3NX5Qm97vBQ6HcBT_OO89KthW3l4/s320/DSCN5265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were all woken up at 5.30 and after freshening up and some Chai, we were ready for the morning trek .Surprisingly the kids...were up too [except a couple of them] .We trekked uphill on the road ….the morning air was crisp and the greenery looked really fresh because of the rains .The coffee flowers were in bloom and were a pretty sight .The kids spotted a lone bison drinking water off a mountain stream .There was a humongous beehive on one of the trees. We also saw a lot of jackfruit trees...the fruit was not yet ripe .Lt Seshadhri told us that the owners of the plantation do not sell the fruit but leave it for the bears and elephants that visit this 6500acre estate . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwdfJKxa0usuAxKMDpkXKi9UMVSGOX9tuDeuSBPMXIJvbCJk4pFTEUdOYkZFd-Zgdv7qfYPhNPA66cQ6zZFApS9isTasB5HJFYMCT-4C5PAC6wNStPRu7O43n1jlk7Vhq7nTYR20FFxQ/s1600/DSCN5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwdfJKxa0usuAxKMDpkXKi9UMVSGOX9tuDeuSBPMXIJvbCJk4pFTEUdOYkZFd-Zgdv7qfYPhNPA66cQ6zZFApS9isTasB5HJFYMCT-4C5PAC6wNStPRu7O43n1jlk7Vhq7nTYR20FFxQ/s320/DSCN5271.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Suddenly we were asked to keep to the side of the road...the only bus that connects the people on the estate to the nearest town 9 km away passed us .Then we were off again. We decided to get back through the rugged path .It was a little slippery because of the rains but the NALS team helped us make it down back to our living area safe and sound .As we reached back the view of the hills ahead was breathtaking .The sky was clear and the mountain peaks were nested in little clouds . I was humming the Carpenters song …”I’m on top of the world …looking down on creation…. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was 7.30am when we got back from our hour long trek...still 30 minutes to go for breakfast .Some of the kids sat around patiently...the trek had left them a little tired and they peacefully took in the mountain air .One of the boys played happily with the pebbles .The girls and moms decided to play hopscotch while waiting .It was really fun and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it .Breakfast was lovely..Puri bhaji and Upma and Ragi kanji .I certainly over ate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A92cnkegMYaPPt-Kly8C5UC_vcCyJLou-HTTCP33ntK1bSCN04f1cNM3QRaeR5VmflybKZPkWIf5Qc2RjAh-YvaG8x4JIcDw0RMSHmH6LKhPNoO98JrbTTotb-tcmt6JSlQWs69ml50/s1600/DSCN5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A92cnkegMYaPPt-Kly8C5UC_vcCyJLou-HTTCP33ntK1bSCN04f1cNM3QRaeR5VmflybKZPkWIf5Qc2RjAh-YvaG8x4JIcDw0RMSHmH6LKhPNoO98JrbTTotb-tcmt6JSlQWs69ml50/s320/DSCN5361.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were then called for our next activity … the high ropes … There was a ladder up a tree made of bamboo which led to a set of 2 ropes about 3 feet apart tied up to another tree about 15 – 20 feet above the ground .Our task was to walk on the lower rope holding on to the upper rope and reach the next tree .From the next tree we had to negotiate and cross the “Burma bridge" again made out of ropes ..get to the third treetop and then drop down to the ground again using a rope .We were all asked to wear safety harnesses which ensured we will not hit the ground in case we slip and helmets to protect our heads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This seemed a scary proposition for us adults but the kids treated it like a joy ride .The first one to go up and complete successfully was a 5 year old girl and then her 10 year old brother [in the spectrum ] followed suit .They made it look like a cake walk . ,,once all the kids were done it was the adults turns .We also did a fairly good job .Only a couple of kids needed some extra help/prompts and one of them was too scared to go beyond the ladder to the ropes .One young lady did not try at all .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOzefw0Ela4BTynzln7UpAg2Rs-O528pPm3HAS2NI5ZEI6UyETJUMDvfltGX96Sg-QwuKbeVa8MNfuffmHZsj61naYHnWwZVk2bb-XhUt2KRbRABmtNbQzN4s7iMcG6o7AYYi98TRkoQ/s1600/DSCN5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOzefw0Ela4BTynzln7UpAg2Rs-O528pPm3HAS2NI5ZEI6UyETJUMDvfltGX96Sg-QwuKbeVa8MNfuffmHZsj61naYHnWwZVk2bb-XhUt2KRbRABmtNbQzN4s7iMcG6o7AYYi98TRkoQ/s320/DSCN5422.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Over all it was great fun and showed us what the possibilities were .I for one was really surprised at the nonchalance with which Nishant did the activity …given the fact that he was really afraid of heights ..would not go up a slide till a few years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We then decided to walk to the mountain stream down the hill and let the kids have a little fun in the water. The water was cool, the rocks slippery...it was really fun .Most of the kids got completely wet and enjoyed themselves thoroughly .there were couple of falls but no injuries . We got back to the dormitory and had a nice warm bath. Hot tasty lunch was waiting for us...we all ate...mostly in silence...I guess we were content and exhausted at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were all thinking of some rest …a snooze perhaps but the NALS team thought otherwise...we were going to do another trek... a longer one around the hill in front and come back through the tribal village nested just below our living area. I am glad I did not opt for the snooze...the trek was really wonderful .First we passed a herd of bison and then a breathtaking waterfall .Further down we passed some ruins and a drinking hole for the animals [like a pond] . The trees formed a canopy over our heads so we did not feel the sun .The final stretch of the trek was along the edge of the hill...a single path flanked by tall grass...overlooking the Silent valley and the Kerala border .That part was really strenuous on some of us who were not used to the terrain .Some of the kids needed a lot of breaks and pushing to complete the last bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Finally after two hours we reached the tribal village .Friendly smiles greeted us...mainly kids and the men folk were out at that point. There was one old lady who proudly pointed to one of our guides and told us that the young girl was here granddaughter. They mainly eked out a livelihood working on the plantation and now a couple of girls who had completed their education had joined the NALS team as support staff. Many had migrated out to the citied in search of a better living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We finally reached our dormitory and settled down for a hot cuppa .After a short while it was time to pack and leave .The goodbyes took a long time as we had become a close knit family by now .The NALS team who had done an excellent job sang us a lovely farewell song [pal pal dil ke pas ..] A couple of families were staying back...the rest of us piled onto the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The way back was fun too...some of us settled into silent contemplation while others chatted away.... the kids decided to entertain us with “Kadi” jokes .We decided to eat something in Mettupalayam as it was already late. We reached home at 9.30pm and bid adieu to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We had no electricity that night... the cable from the pole to our house had burnt out during the rains on Saturday night...but we slept in peace...our body had spent its energy and our souls were content. We got up to the real world on Monday morning but felt rejuvenated enough to face anything .</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The most important lesson for me from this trip was </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">“Believe in the potential of our children and they will come out in flying colours “ </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-73621239028795409252011-04-19T04:05:00.000-07:002011-04-19T04:06:00.951-07:00MESSAGE FOR THE YOUTH :<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This seminar has been arranged in the hope that more awareness is created among the youth about Autism and to kindle the interest of some of you at least to contribute in some way or the other towards this cause .I cannot guess how many of you are going to become special educators or psychologists working in this field .However , I think I can be quite sure that majority of you hope to one day be parents .Today more and more couples are planning their babies and very rarely do they just happen to come by!! I hope what we all have to say goes some way in trying to change the focus in planned parenting from just financial stability which is the main criteria today to awareness about the other possibilities and the responsibilities that go with bringing a life into the world .</i></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It has been a year and a half since I first heard the word Autism and today it has become a part of my life .However I wish I had heard of this 5 years earlier when I was planning to have my baby .Let alone Autism , I was not really thinking or was aware of any other challenges that my baby would face .Not that it would have changed any thing for me but certainly I could have been more aware and alert about all the possibilities and hopefully more prepared for. Four years ago like any other expectant parent I was quite sure that my bundle of joy would be perfect but in the very ordinary sense .Now I know he is perfect in the extraordinary sense. However I did go on an emotional roller coaster in the beginning as I was so unprepared for this reality and in doing so I feel I lost some precious time that could have been spent in dealing with the actual issues .</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So as future parents I hope that you will not plan when you want your baby only based on your income and bank balance . Make sure that you will have enough time to spend with your children whether or not they could have special needs .Make sure you are emotionally ready to deal with any possibility .</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span lang="EN-AU"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText"><span lang="EN-AU"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a parent I feel there is a lot that needs to be done for this cause and for the reasons of brevity I am listing them down as follows to form the acronym <b>AUTISM :<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-AU">A</span></b><b><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-AU">wareness </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><b> a</b>bout the syndrome especially with paediatricians , schools , teachers and generally public awareness of high risk categories and symptoms .<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></o:p></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><i><b><span lang="EN-AU">U nderstanding </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">of the issues faced by these children and their families and treating the children and the issues with respect ,care and concern.</span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><b>T raining </b>o</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">f more professionals in various areas such as psychology , special education , speech </span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">pathology , sensory integration , occupational therapy , life care etc. with the special needs of Autistic individuals in mind .</span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></o:p></span></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-AU">I nstitutions </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><b> </b>that offer services in the above areas</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-AU">S upport </span></b><span lang="EN-AU">for the families and professionals working with Autistic individuals .<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-AU"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M oney </span></i></span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the catalyst to actually move forward </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p><i> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[</span>One of my early awareness speeches to college going youth in the years 1999-2000]</i></span></o:p></span></div></div>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-33619101463442346722011-04-19T03:53:00.000-07:002011-04-19T03:53:19.951-07:00Autistic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Blank stares on the wall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Sometimes does not hear me call<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Ignoring<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one and all <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Does not relate to ball or doll <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Car rides- he just loves it <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Puzzles are done in a minute<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">His energy level is infinite <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">His memory is really the limit<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">He is Autistic they say <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">He won’t follow the rules we’ve laid<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">It not that he is scared <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Or the people around him have not cared<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">He may never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tie his lace <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">He<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>may learn to talk at a slow pace<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">He may not run in life’s rat race <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Whatever may be the case ,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">I hope I can work <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">I am playing every card<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">It does not matter if he is not a bard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">I hope he will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>live well<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, my lord. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">A mothers view of a child with Autism </span></i></div></div>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-67048867773201716292011-04-14T03:16:00.000-07:002011-04-18T05:49:46.774-07:00The Glass case<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">As I stay locked in my glass case</span></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">And watch the world go by, <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I wonder…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Do you ever see <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">The smile on my face,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">The twinkle in my eyes?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">If you just paused to look for a second <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">You may have caught a glimpse..<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Would you care to join me sometimes <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Inside my case?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Maybe then, you would hear my screams for help <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">And feel my pain..<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">You walk past me as though<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I do not exist..<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Even if you do stop <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">You watch me as you would <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">A clownfish in an aquarium!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Sometimes I break free of this case<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">And try to reach out to you <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">With a sound, an echo <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">With an awkward hug or a shove <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">But you push me away <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Or step back in fear!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">You are not the one locked up <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">In a glass case <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Yet you are too afraid <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">To break it open for me <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">And I just cannot do it <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">On my own - inside out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I have no choice but to wait <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Inside my glass case <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I have no choice but to hope <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">That one day you will choose<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">To look at me and smile </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">My son , Nishant loves interacting with everything around him and that includes people .</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">He is also very aware and sensitive – the first one to hug or kiss me if he even remotely senses I am upset and the first one to jump in joy when I am happy .</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">It breaks my heart when my beautiful non verbal , autistic son tries in his own ways to reach out to other children and adults and they just walk past him or push him away .As he is growing up I see him sometimes giving up on the rest of the world .</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I am thankful for our family ,some close friends , mother nature and animals who always respond to him .</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">But there are millions out there like him – who are on the fringes of society like him – disabled , homeless , poor , illiterate and this poem is dedicated to all of them in the hope that it will touch one more person to open their hearts to see in these children/people another human being just like them .<o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769613221837739287.post-26378805803718562652011-04-14T03:11:00.000-07:002011-04-18T05:50:21.686-07:00UNDERSTANDING AUTISM = A PERSPECTIVE FOR “TYPICAL” KIDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">[Something I wrote about 7-8 years ago to help Nishant's schoolmates understand him …]</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some of you may have seen my son Nishant at school/Hippocampus. He runs up and down the stairs, seems very excited sometimes, very upset at some other time .He may have bumped into you or tried to push you over when you were at the computer or sand pit. You may have wondered why his behavior is so strange? Why he does not talk at all? Why one of his parents is always with him? Why all this when he looks quite a healthy normal boy? Is he just behaving badly? Is he crazy? Nishant is actually not crazy nor is he badly behaved .He is just very different from all of us .He has a disability called Autism. This disability is very difficult to explain or understand as it affects a lot of areas of functioning in a person.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first area where these people with Autism are badly hit is the area of <b>speech and communication</b>. They find it difficult to express themselves through language as well as gestures.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Try this out:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Imagine, you are suddenly transported to a new place where the people speak a new language that you do not understand at all and they also do not understand the actions you are making. You will feel quite lost won’t you and some of you may even feel scared.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Further, imagine, the people in this new land keep thinking that you know their language and actions [gestures] and keep talking to you in their language and making faces and gestures at you. How would you feel? . You may feel anxious that they do not understand you and if this went on for days together you might even be in tears trying to understand them or respond to them .You may try to ignore them, try and convey to them to just leave you alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Also, because you are not responding to them, they may start dragging you around the place making you do the things they think you are supposed to do, How would you feel now? You may really not want to do the things they are making you do and you may protest by screaming, crying, having a tantrum or by even trying to hurt them or hurting yourself to get their attention to what you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is exactly how a person with Autism feels – as if he is in a strange land where he does not know the language and the people do not understand him at all. Over time he learns some of the new language but just is able to use it to communicate his basic needs. Some children with Autism do not talk at all – they are mute. Some only repeat whatever they hear – they are said to be echolalic. These are different ways in which they cope with their difficulty with speech and language. Some learn to talk very well and have very good comprehension – that is they understand all that is said but still have difficulties with communication. It has been found that if children with Autism are taught language at an early age like one and a half or two years, they pick up much better than the ones who are taught later. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They also have difficulty <b>understanding social rules</b> .You may have realized that social rules vary from country to country and even within a country it varies from culture to culture and they also have changed over time .For example the Chinese think it is good manners to leave some food on your plate after a meal so that the host thinks you are really full and satisfied and could eat no more. In our culture that is considered rude, you are expected to clean your plate of the last morsel to prove you are happy and satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">People with Autism find all these rules very difficult, as they do not understand their context and relevance .In a sense they behave like they are from another planet. They may stop eating when they are full, take something they like from someone else’s plate, eat with both hands etc. It takes a lot of effort on our part and practice on their part to teach them these rules. And once they learn the rules, if you want to change them, it is even more difficult for them to accept the change.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Their difficulties in speech, language, communication and understanding of social rules, makes it difficult for them to make friends, hold good conversations, participate in social activities that are unstructured or crowded or new like parties or weddings. They also find it difficult to participate in games involving complex rules like chess and team games like cricket or football. This also contributes to their strange behavior or anxiety at times.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Sensory integrative deficiencies</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> have also been found with most people with Autism. This means that their senses like hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell may not be functioning well. Some senses are more acute and some are not working too well. Many of them have very good visual skills. Some may close their ears to certain types of noises. Sometimes they cannot use all their senses together - for example they cannot see and hear together so even watching TV may be something very difficult for them !! This is also one of the reasons why they may not look at you when you are talking as they are trying to hear you and the minute they look at you face with your ever-changing expressions, they may not be able to “hear “ what you are saying. Also when they are looking at something, they may not respond, as they actually do not hear you – you may have to catch their attention by tapping on their shoulder or asking them to look at you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Their brains are not very organized too. Just imagine if you kept dumping all the information you collect through newspapers, magazines, books, internet, photographs etc into a big box and do not clean or sort this box at all or you keep adding files in your computer in any order without deleting the unwanted files or having folders for each topic. Would it not be difficult to retrieve information when you want something specific? By the time you find the things you need you may get distracted by some other things you see while searching or you may even forget what you are looking for. Something similar happens in the brains of some people with Autism. Their brains do not prune or “cut off” the unwanted information. Hence it is like an overgrown forest where it is easy to get lost !!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Persons with Autism also exhibit some <b>strange behaviors</b> that may “look” bizarre or “crazy”. Some examples are excessive running, flapping their hands, spinning themselves, playing with spit, playing with their eyes – rolling eyes, rocking etc. They may be obsessed with an object or keep talking about a particular topic. These behaviors may arise out of their sensory difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Also since their lives are quite lonely, given the fact that only a few people interact with them on a daily basis and even these few may not be able to understand them all the time or be with them all the time, they develop means of occupying themselves in what we may perceive as strange ways. People who are in solitary confinement in a prison for years usually either totally switch off or find ways of occupying their body and mind like pacing up and down, jumping in one place or playing games in their minds, having imaginary conversations etc. Something similar happens to persons with Autism.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Persons with Autism sometimes have a particular area where they do very well. These are called “<b>islets of ability</b>” – which means that though they may have severe difficulty in some areas, they may be very good with some other stuff. Some are talented musicians, some are very good artists, some are poets and writers, some beat the computer with their ability to do arithmetical calculations. Some have very good memory – they can remember, names, faces, routes, whole books like the dictionary or the railway time table !! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some children with Autism are able to go to regular schools and even go to university later in lives and lead independent lives. This depends on the level of Autism they have, language and communication skills, ability to function in a group environment, ability to learn abstract concepts and degree of behavioral problems. Also some are integrated into regular schools with some extra help or support like Nishant. Some others need more specialized help and care and hence go to special schools .In <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> there is a huge need for more integrated schools as well as special schools as well as respite centers and vocational training centers for people with Autism. This is because the level of awareness about this disorder is still poor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The <b>cause for Autism</b> is still not known though a lot of research is being done in this area. Scientists and doctors feel that the persons with Autism are born with some genetic tendency to become so and there may be environmental triggers like the diet. Usually the disability is not very apparent at birth. However as the child is about two years old, based on the symptoms, parents and doctor’s can decide that the child has features of Autism .As it appears when the young child is developing, it is called a <b>developmental disorder</b>. It is also called a <b>pervasive disorder</b> as it affects a number of areas of development The degree of difficulty varies from mild to severe for each of the symptoms which makes each person with Autism very different from the other and hence Autism is called a <b>spectrum disorder</b>. Some persons with Autism can also have epilepsy, mental retardation, praxis or motor control problems etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Being exposed to a number of people of different ages, cultures and backgrounds and also different environments as well as having a number of things to do, from a young age, helps them to become less and less rigid and cope better and integrate better into the family and community The <b>best way to reach out</b> to a person with Autism is to spend time with him doing something that he likes or is interested. They may not fare well in large groups so it may be best if one or two of you interact with him at a time, initially in the presence of a person who knows how the person with Autism communicates and knows his/her interests and preferences. Over time you can share your interests with him/her and increase his scope of interaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nishant likes swinging, cycling, swimming and trekking and long drives and holiday’s .He also loves animals and nature and trains and likes to read books or watch programs on these subjects. He also loves to see photo albums. He likes to play games on the computer. His favorite video is “The Lion king” .He loves to eat food and thankfully he also likes to work out at the gym so his weight is in check! He also loves hugs and cuddles and tickles and rough play. He likes to listen to music and dance once in a while too. He is also quite affectionate and never forgets a person who has reached out to him in some way or the other. He is good at his school work even though he cannot talk or write, he answers by pointing to his alphabet/number board or by underlining or circling the right answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some children in Nishant’s school have asked me “<b>Why did God make him like this?</b>” It is difficult to answer that question but we can only be sure that since God created him, he must have had a purpose. Moreover as a part of God’s creation he must also be as perfect as any of us. One of the purposes must be to remind us not to take things for granted and to realize how blessed we are to be given the use of all our faculties mentally and physically. The other purpose one can think of is for us to go beyond our own goals and needs and to awaken the goodness that dwells in all our hearts to accept these children as our own and help them to the best of our ability. Probably they are God’s own angels who have volunteered to take on so much suffering in their lives so that we may become better human beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before I stop I would like to share with you a few lines written by <b>Tito </b>who is a fourteen year old Indian boy with Autism. Tito cannot speak but can write poignantly. This is from his first book “Beyond the Silence”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“A world of such My story could touch <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Can’t it be? If your heart, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With acceptance and love My hope would get <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not sympathy! The precious reward! “<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>AKILA VAIDYANATHANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289014732293164584noreply@blogger.com0