Celebrating an inclusive Diwali

Diwali is a time for celebration. Its a time when we celebrate togetherness and try to drive away negativity with light. However, Diwali and other Indian festivals can bring unique challenges to neurodiverse people. This maybe due to disrupted routines, sensory overload and changes to usual sets of activities. There’s also the extra noise, the

Adaptive Clothing

Inclusion can be defined as the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups. As we start being inclusive in all spheres and social practices, it becomes extremely

What is Ableism?

Ableism is defined as the discrimination and oppression of disabled people; the societal belief that being abled is “normal” and is preferred. It is a system of oppression that favours being able-bodied/able-minded at any cost, frequently at the expense of people with disabilities. (Stacey Milbern “Ableism is the Bane of My Motherfuckin’ Existence”).  At its

Neurodiversity and Academia

The word “disability” has been a subject of a wide spectrum of debate for ages. Individuals and communities over the years have tried to come up with a definition of the word “disabled” that encompasses most of the “disabilities”. These trials have led to a gradual evolution of various models of disability. These models often

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The Raksha Bandhan of Neurodiversity

For generations, traditional social structures have found themselves closely wedded to the idea that psychological differences are aberrations that threaten the longevity of a ritual and are harmful to “traditions”. The idea of neurodiversity did not fit into the narrative of “culture”.However, prevalent social rituals such as Raksha Bandhan have paved the way for the

Neurodiversity and Bollywood

Mainstream Indian cinema has its fair share of disability portrayals. But have they been realistic—especially when such disabilities are invisible? Cinema is considered to be a powerful medium to reflect and influence what society thinks and believes. Between the real and reel life, the silver screen has educated the masses—fostering changed practices and attitudes while

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Active Screen Time and Neurodivergence

The pandemic has forced the world to work, socialize, and entertain themselves all through screens. Particularly, children have separated from their playgrounds and classrooms to remote technology. Digital evenings and Zoom classes beg the question: how much screen time is helpful?

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Learning Made Fun with Avatars

Have you seen your child mimicking their favourite dance moves from Chhota Bheem? Or maybe copying Doraemon’s actions? As impressionable young minds, children consider avatars and cartoons as their ‘equals’. Modelling after their peers, which can be virtual avatars, is a common trait found in all neurodiverse children. The concept of avatars and video modelling

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