Our Young Adults
We invite you to look into the lives of three of our autistic students to fully understand the impact of Shraddha’s efforts. The stories of Pratish Sajnani, Mayur Sadhwani,and Utpal Tripathi are touching and telling. Although autism inhibits communication and social interactions, Pratish and Mayur have been inseparable friends for the past 15 years Shraddha has nurtured these young adults and now they communicate through gestures and limited verbal skills, perfectly comprehending each other. Friendship has provided stability to both and has helped reduce their hyperactivity and temper tantrums.
MAYUR SADHWANI
Mayur is a 31 year old young autistic adult. He is also physically disabled with a humped back and stunted growth. He suffers from poor hand-eye coordination and has severe perception issues. His parents believe that Shraddha is a permanent solution and that he has found stability and is thriving in a secure environment.
Mayur’s parents initially had a very difficult time trying to deal with his temper tantrums but through training received at Shraddha, he has been able to channel and control his anger. The trustees at Shraddha have counseled his parents and made them understand that love and patience are the only tools needed to discipline him.
Shraddha has helped Mayur enhance his self confidence and self esteem. It has helped better his motor and sensory perception skills. The monthly remuneration Mayur receives makes him feel independent and he takes great pride in his work. Shraddha enhanced his communication skills – earlier he was only able to express himself through hand gestures but now he has learnt to speak using verbal communication.
PRATISH SAJNANI
Pratish is a 32 year old autistic young adult. He is looked after by his mother as his father passed away seven years ago. He speaks English and is able to communicate his wants and needs. His father found it difficult to accept or acknowledge that Pratish was differently abled and was embarrassed to be seen in society with him due to his incessant twitching and hyper activity. Due to his mother’s continued perseverance, dedication and understanding of autism of 12 years, his father was finally able to accept him.
At Shraddha, Pratish has his independence and space and is now a contributing member of society. Shraddha empowered him to maintain mental equilibrium and prevented any need for psychiatric assistance. The teachers and volunteers at Shraddha have helped him control his violent temper, incessant twitching and hyper activity. Pratish has felt appreciated and loved. Shraddha also enhances his communication, confidence and physical stamina. He is also trained to eat and dress independently.
UTPAL TRIPATHI
Utpal is a 48 year old autistic adult. He lost his mother when he was very young and last year he lost his father. He now lives with his brother, who travels most of the time on work. Utpal is home alone most of the time and relies on domestic help for his meals. His neglect had lead to under nourishment, premature aging and physical weakness, lack of motivation and morale/ He had even suffered physical abuse from his former care taker.
Shraddha has helped with providing him a means of income and cultivating his rudimentary skills. Utpal now relies on Shraddha as a livelihood, a place of stability and security.
A day at Shraddha
Shraddha believes in the total development of an autistic individual – in body, soul and mind, and provides intellectual, physical and cognitive therapies to support their students.
