I am a Post Graduate in Clinical Psychology from MS University, Baroda. I graduated in Psychology from St. Xavier's College, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.

As a part of my M.A. Part-I curriculum, I was placed with "Disha", an NGO operating in Baroda, for 24 days, i.e. two days a week. "Disha" runs a special school for autistic and mentally challenged children. When I had read about autism and its diagnosis, I had a picture of children with specific symptoms in my mind. I expected that children would not respond to any stranger and that they would be totally different from normal children. On my first day at the school, I observed the children - 9 autistic and 2 mentally challenged. I realized that each child is different, even though in the common group of autism.

At the end of my first week, I was depressed and disheartened. I felt,"What difference could I make in these children." But as days passed by, I realized that each child had potentials and each one of them was unique. I also found that the mothers of these children were highly stressed and needed support. My classmate, who was also placed at "Disha", and myself chalked out group sessions for the mothers, under the guidance of our mentor Supervisor, a Lecturer assigned to guide us by the Department. My classmate and I felt that as we could not be with the children everyday, if we could equip their mothers with some tips and techniques, it would be more beneficial. The people at "Disha" were very encouraging and kind. The group sessions were a two-way learning process - we gave them some psychological tips and they told us about the various creative methods they employ in dealing with their child.

My experience at "Disha" is something I'll cherish all my life. It revealed to me a different world of autism. I recognized that textbooks on diagnosis are not rule books. They merely mention the broad range of symptoms. But each child has to be understood as himself/herself and not as an autistic child or mentally retarded child. The moment we classify them rigidly, we are limiting their potentials to improve. The children in "Disha" have inspired me to create awareness in the society about mental disabilities with a human touch. Society must no longer ignore them. They too have a right to be recognized.