07/12/2025
I recently attended a talk on how we need to develop a mindset for inclusion. It is not just confined to physical infrastructure but a mindset that needs to be cultivated. I have a story to share with all of you where inclusion is not only the need for people with disabilities or neurodiverse needs but it is for everyone. As we embrace inclusion, we embrace a life of ease and grace. Try it!
I was in a parent counseling session with the parents of a 15-year-old boy. The parents were irritated and extremely worried about their boy’s careless and impulsive attitude towards life. We were in the middle of our discussion when my next person, Shayan, came in 20 minutes early than his usual appointment time. I took him in and he entered the house and he noticed 2 strange adults sitting in my house. He looked at them and paused and he went to the father of that teenager to give him a hi five. The tension on the father’s face released. He smiled and said “How are you, young man?” Shayan didn’t reply but he just smiled and said “washroom”. I said “Yes washroom, go to the washroom”. I usually reframe Shayan’s single word communication into a complete sentence. He then went straight to the washroom. Shayan is well versed with my house and he can independently choose to go around as per his need. I continued with my discussion with the parents and they started off telling me about how it is becoming difficult to explain to their teenager about the importance of class 10th boards. We all became serious again and Shayan just decided to come and sit in between the parents with his legs crossed on the sofa. He continued to look at the parents and smiled. While we still spoke about their worries, we all had a funny smile on our faces. Shayan held the parents’ hands and sat there and the energy of the entire room changed. When the clock ticked 12pm, Shayan looked at the clock and I told the parents that it is his time now and we all laughed and the parents left the room with some hope and patience and most importantly the feeling of love in themselves.
Shayan is a child with autism and I have known him since 2015. Shayan is a boy with few words and each word carries a meaning. He can say the entire sentence in one word and he can shift the mood with a smile or some funny thought or cute transactions of toys which he does with me.
