Autism and Special Needs Therapy in India for Returning NRI Families
Sumathi, a mother of an autistic daughter in Bangalore, shares her 8-year journey navigating autism diagnosis, therapy options, and special education in India. She provides honest insights comparing India vs abroad for special needs children, therapy costs, and practical advice for parents.
In this story
- Key Takeaways from Sumathi's Journey
- 2026 Parent Planning Checklist for Autism Therapy in India
- 👨👩👧👦 Sumathi's Background and Family
- 🔍 Early Signs: What Parents Should Watch For
- 🏥 The Diagnosis Journey
- 🛤️ The Therapy Journey: Trial and Error
- 🏫 Types of Therapy Available in India
- 🌍 India vs Abroad: Honest Comparison
- 🎒 School Options for Special Needs Children
- 🤝 Handling Social Stigma
- 📈 Nika's Progress: 8 Years Later
- 💡 Advice for Parents
- 🏙️ Best Cities in India for Special Needs Resources
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 📚 Related Articles
Sumathi, a mother raising an autistic daughter in Bangalore, shares her 8-year journey through diagnosis, therapy options, and special education in India. She provides honest insights comparing resources in India vs abroad, therapy costs, and practical advice for parents navigating this challenging path.
Key Takeaways from Sumathi's Journey
- Daughter Nika was diagnosed with autism (ASD) at age 2.5 years; now 10 years old and showing continuous progress
- Early intervention is crucial—don't wait for elders' reassurances; trust your instincts
- India advantage: No waiting time for therapy; can take as many sessions as you can afford
- India disadvantage: most private therapy costs are paid directly; check National Trust and Niramaya eligibility separately
- Abroad advantage: Government covers costs; better transparency in therapy
- Abroad disadvantage: Long waiting times (3-6 months to 1 year); limited session flexibility
- Bangalore and Hyderabad have the most therapy options in India
- 90% of special children cannot fit into inclusive schools due to attention/sensory issues
- Acceptance is the first step—only then can you see clearly and take appropriate action
- For 2026 planning, shortlist ABA or developmental-behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education and parent training before choosing a city
Should parents of autistic children move to India or stay in the USA?
The decision is child-specific. India can be better for faster private therapy access and family support. The USA can be better when school services, insurance, IEP documentation, and therapist continuity are already working.
| Decision factor | Stay in USA if... | Consider India if... |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy access | Your child has consistent ABA/developmental therapy, speech, OT, and school coordination. | You can shortlist qualified therapists in Bangalore, Hyderabad, or another metro before moving. |
| School support | IEP, classroom accommodation, aide support, and district services are working. | You have visited schools and found a special, inclusive, or alternative setup matching the child. |
| Cost and funding | Insurance and public services cover a meaningful part of care. | You can pay private monthly therapy costs and treat schemes as support, not guaranteed funding. |
| Family support | Care burden is manageable without extended family nearby. | Grandparents or relatives can help daily without overriding the clinical plan. |
| Risk control | Changing country would break a stable child routine. | You can do a trial stay, clinic visits, school shadowing, and written therapy plan first. |
A Mother's Mission: "When I was struggling in those days, I couldn't find information about autism in Telugu or anywhere else. So I thought, why not start a channel to bring awareness to people who are struggling for information about autism or who are new to this word." — Sumathi, who started a YouTube channel to help other parents navigate the autism journey.
2026 Parent Planning Checklist for Autism Therapy in India
If you are returning to India with an autistic child, start with a qualified assessment instead of choosing a center from reviews alone. Speak with a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, clinical psychologist or child development center, then build a plan around the child's communication, sensory, behavior, school-readiness, sleep and daily-living needs. The CDC's autism intervention guidance notes that treatment plans should match each child's needs and can include behavioral, developmental, educational and social-relational approaches.
What to shortlist before moving cities
| Need | What to ask in India | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Who evaluates the child: developmental pediatrician, clinical psychologist, child neurologist, speech therapist, OT or multidisciplinary team? | Prevents paying for random sessions before goals are clear. |
| ABA or behavioral/developmental therapy | What method is used, who supervises it, how goals are measured and how parents see progress? | Targets behavior, learning routines, communication and daily skills when appropriate. |
| Speech therapy | Does the plan cover expressive language, receptive language, AAC if needed and home carryover? | Many parents search for speech therapy because communication is the first visible gap. |
| Occupational therapy | Does OT address sensory processing, fine motor, gross motor, feeding, handwriting or self-care goals? | Useful when sensory or motor issues affect school and daily life. |
| Parent training | Will the therapist train parents with activities to repeat at home? | Therapy hours are limited; home practice decides consistency. |
| Government scheme checks | Check National Trust registration, Niramaya health insurance eligibility and Disha early intervention/day-care availability. | Private therapy pricing is separate from scheme eligibility and documentation. |
Official scheme links to verify
The National Trust covers autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities under its mandate. Parents should separately verify scheme availability such as Niramaya and Disha, required disability documentation, registered organizations and city-level access before making financial assumptions.
👨👩👧👦 Sumathi's Background and Family
Sumathi lives in Bangalore with her husband, who works in IT, and their two children. Her elder daughter Nika is 10 years old and is on the autism spectrum (ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder). Her younger son Sharon is 4 years old. According to the CDC's autism data, early intervention significantly improves outcomes for children on the spectrum. Many NRI families planning their return to India face similar decisions about healthcare and education for their children.
Nika was diagnosed with autism when she was about 2.5 years old—approximately 7-8 years ago. At that time, Sumathi and her husband knew nothing about autism. They had never even heard the word before.
This struggle to find information, especially in Telugu (their native language), inspired Sumathi to start her own YouTube channel. Her goal was to bring awareness to parents who are new to autism and provide the genuine information and moral support she wished she had received.
Sumathi's YouTube Channel Impact
After starting her channel, Sumathi discovered that most parents are reluctant to come forward on social media or share their stories publicly. Despite this, she has been able to provide information and moral support to many mothers who contact her through Instagram, sharing their children's stories and struggles.
Her reflection: "I really feel like I have done a very good thing starting this channel and trying to create awareness about this thing."
Note: Sumathi mentioned she's more comfortable speaking in Telugu, so some parts of the original conversation were in Telugu. This article captures the key insights from her discussion.
🔍 Early Signs: What Parents Should Watch For
Sumathi began noticing differences in Nika's behavior when she was around 1.5 to 2 years old. The comparison with her niece (her brother's daughter, who was 8 months older than Nika) made the differences more apparent.
Early Warning Signs Sumathi Observed
- Lack of imitation: Not interested in clapping hands or imitating small gestures
- Physical distance: Didn't like being cuddled; would sleep away from parents on the bed during nights
- Sleep issues: From birth, very little sleep during nights with constant crying—many nights they stayed awake the whole night
- Social disinterest: During her second birthday celebration, showed no interest in the party, playing with other kids, or mingling with family members
- Emotional detachment: Didn't care who came or went; was cranky all the time
- No name response: Would not respond to her name even when called 100 times
The Playschool Revelation
After Nika's second birthday (in April), they enrolled her in a renowned playschool in June. The school had a camera option where parents could watch their children live in the classroom.
The teachers would tell Sumathi that Nika wasn't interested and they would try to pull her into circle time "whenever she's ready."
The Name Response Test
The most telling sign was Nika's complete lack of response to her name:
A Critical Observation
"When all the other children are very excited to meet their parents, Nika is not at all showing any interest—if Papa has come, Mama has come to pick me up, nothing like that. Even if I am standing behind her and calling her name 100 times, she was not at all responding."
This was the moment they realized something serious was happening and decided to consult their pediatrician.
🏥 The Diagnosis Journey
When they consulted their pediatrician about Nika not responding to her name, the doctor asked a few simple questions:
- Does she respond if you call her?
- If she's in another room, will she come if you call her?
When the answers were "no," the pediatrician immediately mentioned it might be autism and referred them to a Child Care Development Center for assessment.
The Assessment Process
- Duration: Assessment took 2-3 days
- Report timeline: Received within about one week
- Diagnosis: Confirmed she was on the Autism Spectrum (ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Next step: Immediately advised to join a therapy center
- Age at diagnosis: Approximately 2.5 years old
The Emotional Impact
The diagnosis hit them hard. They had never heard the word "autism" before.
Understanding Autism Types
Sumathi explained that in autism, there are two kinds of children:
Verbal vs Non-Verbal Autism
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Verbal | Children who are completely non-verbal and don't speak |
| Verbal | Children who have words and can talk |
Nika is verbal. She had picked up vocabulary from YouTube—shapes, colors, alphabet (A to Z, small and capital letters), and could identify and sort shapes, numbers, vehicles, transport, fruits. She had the basic knowledge a 2-year-old should have, but she didn't use those words appropriately when asked.
🛤️ The Therapy Journey: Trial and Error
Sumathi's therapy journey with Nika was not straightforward. It involved multiple attempts, failures, and eventually finding what worked for their daughter.
First Attempt: Group Therapy (Failed)
They started with group therapy at the center recommended by the doctor. In this setup, 7-8 mothers with their children would be in a classroom, following a curriculum where they had to complete activities with their child during 45-minute sessions.
Why Group Therapy Didn't Work
- The environment was completely new to Sumathi—she had never seen a group of special kids before
- It was very hard for her to make Nika work on activities
- Nika was cranky all the time and never wanted to go to the therapy center
- She would pull Sumathi's hand and bag, saying "Let's go, I don't want to stay here"
- She cried through all the sessions
- The therapists would scold and shout at parents: "Why are you not able to do that with your child?"
Sumathi's frustration: "If I can do something with my child, what is the use of bringing my child to your therapy center? I can sit at home and make my child learn."
After one month of trying, neither Sumathi nor Nika could fit into that environment. They left that therapy center.
Second Attempt: Online Courses (Failed)
They tried online courses and enrolled in two or three online sessions. These also didn't work for Nika.
The Spending Trap
During this period, they fell into a common trap:
The Turning Point: Acceptance
After about one to one and a half years of struggling through depression and confusion, they finally accepted Nika's condition. This acceptance was the turning point.
The Power of Acceptance
"Once we accepted that Nika's condition is like that and we have to accept and we have to do whatever necessary things we can do for her—then we started to search for nice therapy centers which Nika can adjust to."
Finding What Worked: One-to-One Therapy
They found a special school called Bubbles School (a special school for special children) that allowed outside children for 1-2 hour therapy sessions. There, they found a special educator who made all the difference.
The Right Therapist
What made her special:
- She was a special educator AND a special mom (had a 9-year-old autistic child herself)
- She had done special education training
- She worked on her own child as well as teaching at the school
- She was assigned to Nika for one-on-one sessions
The result: "We feel like we were very lucky to meet that special educator because she worked a lot on Nika and we can see visible changes in Nika after she started working."
The Therapy Schedule That Worked
They established a routine:
- Morning: Half day at normal/regular playschool
- Afternoon: 1 hour special education + 1 hour occupational therapy at the special school
Nika had severe sensory issues—her fine motor and gross motor skills were not up to the mark. She struggled to even pick up small things from the ground. The occupational therapy addressed these issues.
This schedule continued for about one and a half years, and they saw significant improvement. Nika started need-based communication, which was very useful for communicating with her.
🏫 Types of Therapy Available in India
Based on Sumathi's experience, here are the therapy options available for autistic children in India. Autism spectrum support often combines behavioral, developmental, educational, speech-language and occupational therapy approaches; parents can cross-check categories against CDC autism treatment guidance. For families considering which city to settle in India, therapy availability should be a key factor.
Therapy Options in India
| Therapy Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Behavioral Therapy | Behavior goals, learning routines, communication support, daily-living skills | Ask who supervises the program, how progress is measured, and whether parents get home-practice guidance |
| Special Education | Academic curriculum, cognitive skills, communication | Can be group or one-to-one |
| Occupational Therapy (OT) | Sensory issues, fine motor, gross motor skills | Essential for children with sensory processing issues |
| Speech Therapy | Verbal communication, language development | For speech delays, language comprehension, expression and AAC planning where needed |
| Group Therapy | Social skills, following group instructions | May not work for all children |
| One-to-One Therapy | Individualized attention and curriculum | Often more effective for children who struggle in groups |
| Parent Training | Home routines, communication practice, behavior support, activity planning | Useful for NRI parents who cannot access daily therapy or need continuity after moving |
| Complementary Approaches | Family-chosen supports outside the core therapy plan | Discuss with a qualified clinician; do not replace speech, OT, behavioral/developmental therapy or special education |
How Therapy Centers Work
Sumathi explained the assessment process at therapy centers:
The Trial and Error Reality
Sumathi emphasized that finding the right therapy is a process of trial and error:
Every Child is Different
"For every child is different. Every child's abilities or difficulties are different when coming to autism. So we have to give it a try—everything we have to give it a try. If it suits for them, we have to continue. Otherwise, we have to go for another option."
Settlement time varies: Some children settle in 10 days (like Nika with one-to-one therapy), while others may take 3 months of crying before adjusting. It completely depends on the individual child.
🌍 India vs Abroad: Honest Comparison
Sumathi regularly talks to parents from outside India (US, UK, and other countries) through her Instagram. Based on these conversations and her own experience, she provided an honest comparison of special needs resources in India versus abroad.
Comprehensive Comparison: India vs Abroad
| Factor | India | Abroad (US/UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Time for Assessment | Almost immediate | 3-6 months, sometimes up to 1 year |
| Waiting Time for Therapy | Can start immediately after assessment | Must wait for turn after assessment |
| Session Flexibility | Can take as many sessions as you want/can afford | Government allots limited sessions (e.g., 2/week when child needs 5) |
| Cost | Mostly private out-of-pocket therapy; check National Trust/Niramaya eligibility separately | Government covers expenses |
| Alternative Treatments | Complementary options exist, but should not replace evidence-based therapy goals | Usually more protocol-driven around approved therapy paths |
| Transparency | Some centers lack transparency; parents may not see what happens in sessions | Better communication; teachers, therapists, parents all looped in |
| Therapist Quality | Varies; some centers are commercialized | Generally more genuine and structured |
| Inclusive Education | Available but limited; most special children can't fit due to attention/sensory issues | Better structured inclusive environments |
The Waiting Time Problem Abroad
Sumathi highlighted the significant waiting time issue faced by parents abroad:
Even after assessment, if parents want private sessions, the cost is very high. Most wait for their turn for government-funded therapy, which may not provide enough sessions for the child's needs.
The India Advantage: Flexibility
Why Some NRI Parents Choose India
"Here we don't have any waiting time. We can take however many classes we want. For example, my child is having severe sensory issues—I want to take two hours of OT every day and I can afford it—I will take it. I can go for it."
The practical advantage is flexibility: parents can combine speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, ABA or developmental-behavioral support, and parent training when the child needs more intensity than a public system abroad may allow.
The India Disadvantage: Cost
Financial Reality in India
"In India, everything—whatever penny we spend—we have to take it from our pocket. We don't have any insurance policies here. We don't have any reimbursement policies here. Everything we have to afford by ourselves."
Use this as a private-therapy planning warning, not a legal conclusion. Before returning, verify current National Trust/Niramaya eligibility, local registered organizations, disability documentation and any employer insurance support separately.
The Transparency Issue
Sumathi noted that transparency is better abroad:
In India, some therapy centers don't allow parents to watch what happens during sessions, which can be frustrating for parents who want to know exactly what their child is doing and learning.
🎒 School Options for Special Needs Children
Sumathi provided insights into the school options available for special needs children in India:
Types of Schools Available
- Inclusive Schools: Regular schools that accept special needs children alongside neurotypical children
- Special Schools: Dedicated schools for special children, often offering therapy sessions to outside children as well
- Alternative Schools: Schools with different approaches (e.g., "no-backpack schools," Waldorf, etc.)
The Reality of Inclusive Schools
While inclusive schools sound ideal, Sumathi offered a reality check:
Who Can Fit in Inclusive Schools?
"There are so many inclusive schools, but 90% of the special children who have attention issues or sensory issues—they cannot sit more than five minutes in a chair. So they all cannot fit into an inclusive school."
Who can fit: Only children with very mild autism or very mild learning disabilities typically fit in inclusive classroom settings.
Sumathi's situation: "I cannot make my child sit in an inclusive classroom because she cannot sit."
The key is understanding your child's specific needs and abilities, then finding a school environment that matches—rather than forcing them into a setting that doesn't work.
📈 Nika's Progress: 8 Years Later
Nika is now 10 years old. When asked about her progress, Sumathi shared both the achievements and the realistic expectations:
Current Status
- Continuous improvement: "She's improving day by day, year by year—that I can confirm. We can definitely see."
- Not saturated: Unlike some children who plateau at a certain point and stop responding to therapies, Nika continues to show progress
- Academics: She does academics at her current center, which focuses on her academic development
- Realistic comparison: "When compared to a neurotypical child, she's not up to the mark—I would say like she's only 50%"
Ongoing Challenges
Sumathi is honest that challenges continue:
Growing Stronger
Experience and time have made them stronger:
Clarity Through Experience
"The experience and time also will make you stronger in this thing. Since we are used to all those things now, we are more strong than earlier."
"Now we definitely know how to handle the things—what we can do for her, what will help her. All those things we have in mind. We're very clear now—what we can do, what we cannot do, what she can do, what she cannot do. Depending on that, we'll be planning her things."
💡 Advice for Parents
Based on her 8 years of experience and conversations with many parents, Sumathi shared crucial advice:
1. Don't Delay—Early Intervention is Critical
The Danger of Waiting
"Usually what we do is we panic, we get worried, we run to places, we don't think clearly, we don't focus on what the child actually needs."
Common mistake: Listening to elders who say "It's okay, she will talk by two years, by four years, by five years. Why are you worrying? Don't compare your child with other children."
The cost: "If we might have observed right from one year—we have the doubt but we are not acting on it. If you are waiting for that particular time, if you're not accepting the thing, by the age of five the things might get worse. We are losing the valuable time."
The opportunity: "The three years of auspicious time which can do wonders in the future—if we might have focused on those three years with acceptance."
2. Trust Your Instincts
3. Acceptance is the First Step
Why Acceptance Matters
"First thing is we should accept the thing. Only when acceptance comes, then only we can see the things clearly."
Without acceptance: You take things for granted, make unnecessary mistakes, ignore valuable time
With acceptance: You can see the child's ability and capability, take appropriate steps for their growth
4. Assessment Timing Reality
Sumathi explained why formal diagnosis often comes later:
Why Centers Wait Until Age 2.5-6
Assessment centers typically don't formally diagnose before age 2.5 years (some wait until 6 years) because:
- The brain is still developing
- Some children with developmental delays might naturally catch up
- Early diagnosis could be wrong in some cases
However: This doesn't mean you should wait to start early intervention. You can begin working with your child even before formal diagnosis.
5. Mother as Therapist
For parents who cannot access therapy centers (due to location, cost, or other constraints):
You Can Be Your Child's Therapist
"Sometimes mother is the best therapist. If things are not working well, if situations are not favorable, then you can become the good therapist to your own child."
How: Sign up for online parental training programs, get trained, and work with your child yourself.
For safety, choose parent training that coordinates with your child's developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist or special educator. Parent coaching works best when it extends a clear therapy plan rather than replacing assessment.
Initial challenge: "Initially it might feel difficult for one or two months because they don't listen to us. We don't know how to handle them, how to make them sit, how to give them an activity."
Result: "But once we get trained, slowly we can make our child do things. They will definitely listen to us."
6. Don't Feel Guilty
For NRI parents who cannot leave their jobs abroad:
🏙️ Best Cities in India for Special Needs Resources
For NRI families considering a return to India with a special needs child, location matters significantly. Sumathi shared her knowledge about which cities have the best resources. Understanding financial planning for NRI return is essential because many private therapy costs are paid directly and scheme eligibility must be verified separately. The Government of India's health portal provides information on healthcare services across states.
City-wise Resource Availability
| City/Area | Resource Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | Best | Most therapy centers, special schools, inclusive schools, functional medicine options |
| Hyderabad | Very Good | Good number of options available |
| Other Metro Cities | Moderate | Some options but fewer than Bangalore/Hyderabad |
| Tier-2/Tier-3 Cities | Limited | Few options; may need to travel to nearby cities |
| Rural Areas/Villages | Very Limited | Often no local resources; must travel to cities for therapy |
Important Consideration for NRI Families
If you have a special needs child and are considering returning to India, settling in a metropolitan city—preferably Bangalore or Hyderabad—will provide the most therapy options and resources.
Parents in small villages often have no local resources and must travel to nearby cities for therapy, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of autism that parents should watch for?
Based on Sumathi's experience with her daughter Nika, early signs included: not interested in clapping hands or imitating small gestures, not liking to be cuddled, sleeping away from parents, very little sleep during nights with constant crying from birth, no interest in birthday celebrations or playing with other kids, not caring who came or went, being cranky all the time, and most importantly—not responding to her name even when called 100 times. These signs were noticeable around 1.5-2 years of age.
How does the autism diagnosis process work in India?
The process typically starts with a pediatrician consultation, who asks basic questions about the child's responsiveness. If autism is suspected, they refer to a Child Care Development Center for formal assessment. The assessment takes 2-3 days, and results come within about a week. The report confirms whether the child is on the autism spectrum (ASD) and the severity level (mild, moderate, or severe). After diagnosis, families are advised to join a therapy center immediately.
What types of therapy are available for autistic children in India?
India offers ABA or developmental-behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, one-to-one sessions, group social skills work and parent training. Complementary approaches should be discussed with a qualified clinician and should not replace the core therapy plan.
Should NRI parents look for ABA therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy first?
Start with a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, clinical psychologist or qualified child development center assessment, then build a child-specific plan. Many children need a mix of ABA or developmental-behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education and parent training. The first priority depends on communication, sensory, behavior, sleep, school-readiness and daily-living needs.
Are there government schemes for autistic children in India?
Parents should check National Trust schemes and local registered organizations before moving. Niramaya health insurance and Disha early intervention or day-care support may be relevant where available, but eligibility, documentation and city-level access must be verified from official scheme pages.
How do therapy options in India compare to the US/UK?
In India, families may get faster private access and more session flexibility if they can pay directly. The tradeoff is higher out-of-pocket planning and uneven transparency across centers. Abroad, public funding and school coordination can be stronger, but waiting times and session limits can be difficult. Check private quotes, therapist qualifications and National Trust/Niramaya eligibility before moving.
Can special needs children attend inclusive schools in India?
While many inclusive schools exist in India, Sumathi notes that 90% of special children with attention or sensory issues cannot sit more than 5 minutes in a chair, making inclusive settings unsuitable for them. Only children with very mild autism or learning disabilities typically fit in inclusive classrooms. The key is finding a school environment that matches your child's specific needs and abilities rather than forcing them into a setting that doesn't work.
Should NRI families with special needs children consider moving to India?
It depends on city, family support, work flexibility and the child's therapy plan. Bangalore and Hyderabad offer stronger therapy ecosystems, but parents should shortlist ABA or developmental-behavioral therapy, speech therapy, OT, special education, parent training, school options, written costs and scheme eligibility before deciding. Some families use India for intensive support and return abroad later; others stay abroad and use parent training plus local services.
Need Guidance for Your Family's Situation?
Every family's journey with special needs children is unique. Whether you're considering returning to India or need help navigating resources abroad, getting the right guidance can make all the difference.
Connect with families who understand your journey and get personalized guidance for your situation. For direct questions about autism resources, you can also reach out to Sumathi through her Instagram (details in the video description).
🤝 Handling Social Stigma
Social stigma around special needs children is a concern for many families, especially those considering returning to India. Sumathi shared her personal experience and perspective on this sensitive topic.
Their Initial Approach: Hiding
For the first 2-3 years after Nika's diagnosis (until she was about 4-5 years old), Sumathi and her husband didn't tell their family about her condition.
During this time, family members would observe Nika's behavior and ask questions:
Without knowing the real reason, family members would blame the parents for Nika's behavior, assuming they weren't focusing on her properly.
The Shift: Opening Up
Once they achieved acceptance (around age 4-5), they started telling relatives and family about Nika's condition. The change in perception was dramatic:
What Changed After Opening Up
Before: Family judged them as bad parents who weren't focusing on their child.
After: "People started to show concern—'Oh, is this the thing? Okay, you can do like this, you can try like this, you keep talking to her, you take her to places, you put her in a school.' Like that, some positive inputs started coming to us."
Sumathi's Perspective on Stigma
Sumathi offered a thought-provoking perspective on discrimination:
She believes parents are "somewhat responsible for creating discrimination" by not opening up:
Her Advice on Stigma
"If we are hiding our child, please don't hide your child. We should open up and we should tell them what is happening. Then only people will get to know, people will get to understand."
"When we get open up, when we tell that our particular child is having this condition, then only at least half of the people who are judging us might change their perception. Then they will get to know—'Oho, okay, maybe because of this the child is behaving like this, because of this the child is talking like this.' They might get an idea."
Family Support
Sumathi acknowledged that her family has been supportive. They have cases of special needs in both sides of the family:
While family members didn't initially know what autism specifically was (they might have thought it was something else), once they understood, they accepted Nika "with their whole heart."