Bhargabi Kashyap
(kbhargabi@gmail.com)
Imagine walking into a world where colours are brighter, sounds are louder, smells are stronger, textures are felt more, and emotions are felt in a language beyond words. This is the world of many individuals with autism—a place of intense perception, deep focus, and a unique rhythm that dances to its own beat. Each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder is unique, with differences in communication, behaviour, interests and sensory processing but also possessing unique strengths and abilities.
Every morning, as I step into my classroom, I leave behind the structured world of predictability and enter a universe of beautiful unpredictability. Here, communication is not always spoken, learning is not always linear, and success is measured in moments.
Not all my students speak in words, but each has a voice. Some speak in pictures, drawing their thoughts with careful precision. Some communicate through gestures—a nod, a sideways glance, a squeeze of the hand and verbally repeating the same things over and over again—and act as a way of communication to reach out to me. And some, in their moments of deep focus and fixated interests, show me that learning does not always happen in traditional ways. Sometimes they hum, grunt, repeat words or phrases, or make other sounds, all to find their comfort and solace in the sensory environment, and this is called stimming, a physical behaviour that occurs with many emotions and feelings in children with autism.
In a crowded room, where voices overlap and music hums in the background, most people naturally filter out distractions. But for someone with autism, every detail arrives at once—like an orchestra playing all its instruments at full volume. The hum of fluorescent lights, the rustling of papers, the distant chatter—all equally important, all equally loud.
To the outside world, it may seem overwhelming, but within this sensory flood lies a gift: the ability to notice the unnoticed. Many children with autism exhibit a strong attention to detail, often noticing and remembering details that others might miss, which can translate into strengths in areas like pattern recognition, factual memorisation, and structured tasks. Some autistic individuals can also hear the quietest whisper in a conversation, spot a pattern others miss, or recall details with astonishing accuracy. Their world is not chaotic—it is just different, operating on a frequency that many do not tune into.
Autistic children, often misunderstood, possess a unique capacity for profound kindness and empathy, often expressed in their own distinct ways, and it’s important to recognise and celebrate their gentle hearts. Autism is just a way of being in a certain way. It is part of human neurodiversity.
It’s crucial to recognise that autistic children are not just “kind”; they are kind in their own way. Their unique strengths and perspectives should be celebrated, not just as a way to understand their behaviour but as a way to enrich their lives in a positive way. By fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance, we can empower autistic children to express their kindness and empathy, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the world in their own unique ways.
On this 18th World Autism Awareness Day, since the United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, there have been inclusive policies and practices that drive positive change for autistic individuals, yet much more has to be done to promote accessibility, equality, and innovation. There is a need for sustained efforts to eliminate barriers, promote inclusive policies, and recognise the contributions of individuals with autism in the society and celebrate their achievements by promoting acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion.
Imagine building a world where everyone, regardless of how they think, communicate, or experience the environment, is fully accepted and supported. A world that listens, adapts and welcomes all ways of thinking. Let us strive to build an autism-friendly world by not just making accommodations but also changing our mindsets, embracing neurodiversity and creating spaces where autistic individuals can thrive.