It is with sheer passion that dreams churn into plans, actions, and results! While the world is at a standstill with alarming rises in a condition that is an enigma in itself, it is certainly a ray of hope when a reputed institute brings forth innovative solutions to help create, nurture, and build a community where every individual is given equal opportunity, is accepted with warm hearts, and raised with an empathetic approach. Whether it is a newer concern or a condition that has prevailed since time immemorial only to be discovered in recent times, Autism Spectrum Disorder has created waves of concern and alarm over recent few decades. While the scientific community and researchers are scouring over genetic, environmental, and other aspects causing the rise in Autism, the jump in diagnosed cases continues to spawn alarm. The expanded definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a collection of neurodevelopmental disorder that largely affects the communication and behavioral patterns in individuals. With a huge variation in signs, symptoms, and severity of the condition, and the uniqueness of every case, a diagnosed individual falls under the ‘spectrum’. Hence the name, ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’.
Is autism truly on the rise, or is it the growing awareness that has brought it more into the limelight and focus area? Is the condition here to stay or has it already been with us for long? Or is it that every individual has signs and symptoms of the spectrum to some extent, and only when it reaches a certain threshold where it begins to create hindrance in normal living, is when it becomes visible, noticeable, and concerning? Whatever the analysis and discovery, the world still needs to prepare, live, and survive with rising cases of Autism and Neurodiversity among individuals, and nurture an ecosystem that is welcoming, accepting, and sustainable for the healthy living of all individuals. As the world and India are rising to the occasion to create a more aware, accepting, and empathetic community for autistic and neurodiverse people and families, it is assuring to see an institute like Sunderji’s Global Academia that has been incessantly working towards nurturing an optimal learning environment for children through ‘Educating, Enlightening, & Empowering’. The education-centric institute has been helping autistic and neurodiverse children, families, and caregivers for more than two decades with an all-inclusive learning system. Whereas early intervention in the growing years, remedial education, varied therapies, and proper care help the children and families overcome certain challenges and live a better life, the institute pondered over what after the primary and secondary educational stages. Once the children have passed out of school life, how do they generate employability for themselves, how do they bridge the gap between having educational learning and applying that to generate a sustainable living? This is when, a far-fetched dream of a powerful embodiment of women empowerment, Masarrat Tavawalla, along with her dedicated team of founders, directors, staff, and team members embarked on the path of constructing a platform that provides the means of creating more fulfilling and independent living opportunities for neurodiverse and autistic individuals. ‘Passion drove the plan’ and a Vocational Centre for neurodiverse adolescents over 17 years of age was put into action.
A diverse team of experts from different fields including parents, educators, doctors, architects, authors, Rotarians, bakers, confectioners, and several more were invited over for a Breakfast Meet and Brainstorming Session recently at the esteemed institute to share their varied perspectives and invaluable insights to the discussion about the upcoming project. Privileged to be part of the distinguished group, I was proud to participate in the session and observe the proceedings with a bird’s eye view and writer’s perspective. The ambitious project with nobility and goodwill centered around unwavering commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm is bound to attain success with the collective effort of a diverse team and supporting experts. A wide range of ideas with rich discussions and innovative suggestions propelled the institute’s spirit to add positivity and a renewed surge of energy. A clear vision, a planned path, and dedicated effort is a surefire objective for transforming the dream into a reality of success. Helping the neurodiverse and autistic students to secure a brighter future enabling them and their families to lead a productive life, fulfilling a sustainable living through empowering them with requisite skills.
The project and every other endeavor of the institute are all set to assist neurodiverse and autistic individuals and their families, foster an inclusive and understanding community and society, and help reshape the autism and neurodiverse landscape in the country. However, as compared to many other countries, India still lags when it comes to adequate responsiveness and addressal of such issues from the Authorities, Government, Media, Literature, Entertainment, Corporates, and other sections of the society. Going forward, as the rising cases of neurodiversity and autism continue to raise concern, is there going to be a manifesto and awareness drive at a mass level for advocacy, understanding, and acceptance among people at large for this condition? Is there going to be an appeal to the governing bodies to ease the process for addressing and handling such issues for creating a better society and living for all?
