Episode 24: Autism and Me - In Conversation with Aryan Avasthi

Inclusion with Mansi

Aryan Avasthi is a 20 year old, autistic who is a second year undergraduate student in Pune university. Currently he is in his 4th semester of Bachelors in Vocational in IT and ITES (Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services).

Autism according to him is where you have difficulty in learning, you take time to learn things and difficulties with focus and communication.

Aryan shares his experiences about:

• How the school counselor, Anusre Menon helped him understand his diagnosis and supported him with skills on behaviour management and communication
• How the special educator supported with ‘how’ to study and with examination concession and support
• Examination exceptions - writer and then prompter along with extra time
• How he is grateful for his parents and their supported him in academics and behaviour management
• Playing Harmonium since 2018 and has his own YouTube channel. He plays classical music as well as bollywood songs
  • Instagram for only harmonium: https://instagram.com/aryan_harmonium_beats_408?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
  • Instagram Personal Account: https://instagram.com/super.boy48?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
  • YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCCjhj19-cKNHz7ImAIB1gAA
• How grateful he is to his harmonium teacher, Suresh Sir. He is friendly and patient. He treats students as his best friends.
• Feeling the need that college teachers would be aware of the concessions like extra time instead of punishing him for not being able to complete practicals on time.
• Communication and behavioral difficulties and now being able to make friends with ease
• Counsellor helped him a lot in communication skills

Tips for Teachers - For children with Autism, give time to think and learn. Support with extra classes and make partners who can help the student with studies (buddy system).

Tips for Parents - Please spend time with your child, talk to them, be friendly so they feel they are in a comfortable environment of studying, study with them and support them. Be supportive and make them feel a part of their community.

Tip for individuals on the spectrum - have patience and don’t panic. No need to use your hands to communicate, use your word. Find a buddy to support you. Go to the counsellor to help you with behaviour management and emotional support.

Message for all colleges - if there is any special child in your college there should be a counsellor as well as a special educator in the college itself. It will make the child feel comfortable and as a part of the community, they can do better in their future, academics and behaviour as well.

Stay tuned for the next episode on Autism and Friendship.