Raising a child with autism is a journey filled with unique challenges, triumphs, and often, uncertainty. For many families in Nepal, finding adequate support, guidance and reliable resources to help their children thrive can feel daunting. This was the experience of Dr. Pratistha Joshi, a parent who shared her transformative journey with the AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) in a recent article. In this blog, we explore her journey, the essential role ACNS played in supporting her family, and the life-changing impact of autism care in Nepal.
Navigating the First Steps: The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions
When Dr. Joshi’s daughter was diagnosed with autism at just one and a half years old, it felt like the world had been turned upside down. Receiving the diagnosis marked the beginning of a period filled with uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt. Like many parents, she initially struggled to accept her daughter’s diagnosis, holding onto the hope that her child’s behavior might simply be a developmental delay.
Despite her hesitations, Dr. Joshi knew that her daughter needed specialized support. Her search led her to the AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS), a leading organization dedicated to helping children with autism and their families navigate the challenges that come with the condition.
Discovering AutismCare Nepal Society: The First Visit
The first visit to ACNS was, understandably, an emotional experience. Surrounded by other children with similar challenges, Dr. Joshi was both anxious and hopeful. How would her daughter adapt to this environment? Would she benefit from the support and guidance offered?
Dr. Joshi met with Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, the chairperson of ACNS, whose compassionate presence and understanding reassured her. Through this interaction, Dr. Joshi gained a sense of relief and the strength to move forward, knowing that she had found a community that understood her journey and was prepared to help her daughter develop and thrive.
Challenges and Breakthroughs: Therapy and Support at ACNS
Dr. Joshi’s journey with ACNS began with therapy sessions designed to address her daughter’s unique needs. At first, navigating the world of therapies and treatments was overwhelming, but the expertise and support from the ACNS team made a significant difference.
One pivotal moment came when Functional Assessment Therapy (FAT), led by therapist Ruju Pokhrel, provided a clearer understanding of her daughter’s needs. The team recommended Behavior Therapy (BT) as the primary focus, a decision that would prove transformative.
With each session, Dr. Joshi observed positive changes in her daughter. She began to respond to the therapist’s guidance, showing improved communication, social skills, and self-confidence. ACNS therapists and specialists offered encouragement, and their patient, compassionate approach helped Dr. Joshi’s daughter make measurable progress over time.
The Impact of the ACNS Community and Group Therapy Sessions
One of the most impactful aspects of ACNS’s support was its Parent and Child Training Program (PCTP), a program that emphasizes the role of parents in their child’s development. Through this program, Dr. Joshi was able to meet other parents, share her experiences, and learn from those who were on similar journeys.
Participating in group therapy sessions helped her build resilience, patience, and a renewed sense of hope. Kripa Shrestha, a therapist at ACNS, led these sessions with a compassionate presence that reinforced each parent’s commitment to their child’s growth. These “healing sessions,” as Dr. Joshi described them, offered solace and understanding that no medical appointment ever had. Through these group sessions, she found a community that encouraged her to navigate her role as both a parent and advocate for her child.
Progress and Growth: Witnessing Positive Changes
The supportive environment at ACNS allowed Dr. Joshi’s daughter to develop newfound skills and independence. From learning to follow instructions to forming a stronger emotional bond, each milestone reinforced the impact of ACNS’s therapies. The dedication of the ACNS staff not only helped her daughter but also allowed Dr. Joshi to better understand her child’s world and the ways in which she could further support her growth.
Dr. Joshi saw her daughter transition from needing constant assistance to displaying confidence and independence. The transformation was not limited to her daughter alone; Dr. Joshi herself grew stronger, more resilient, and more equipped to advocate for her child and others facing similar challenges.
The Power of Acceptance and Empowerment
Through this journey, Dr. Joshi found that her experience with ACNS was more than just about therapy and treatment. It was about embracing her child’s unique abilities, understanding her needs, and finding the strength to support her through every challenge. ACNS provided her family with a safe, supportive space, empowering them with tools and techniques to help her daughter reach her potential.
The staff at ACNS, from therapists to administrators, worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for all children and parents. Dr. Joshi’s experience with Ashmita Ma’am and other ACNS team members became an essential part of her journey, helping her find hope and purpose not only for her family but for the entire autism community in Nepal.
Embracing the Journey Forward
Today, Dr. Joshi looks back on her journey with immense gratitude for ACNS and the positive impact it has had on her family. Her experience highlights the importance of organizations like AutismCare Nepal Society in providing much-needed resources, therapies, and emotional support for families navigating autism.
Through her journey, Dr. Joshi has become a strong advocate for autism awareness in Nepal, understanding the power of acceptance, resilience, and the importance of a strong support system. She hopes that her story will inspire other parents facing similar challenges to seek support, embrace their journey, and find strength in community.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of AutismCare Nepal Society
The story of Dr. Joshi and her daughter serves as a powerful testament to the vital role of AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) in Nepal’s autism community. For families across the country, ACNS is more than just a therapy center; it’s a place of hope, growth, and connection.
With its specialized programs, dedicated therapists, and compassionate approach, ACNS continues to be a lifeline for parents and children navigating autism. Dr. Joshi’s journey is a reminder of the profound impact that organizations like ACNS can have in transforming lives, one family at a time.