A 17-year-old Autistic girl hopes to inspire those who are differently-abled like her to choose their own path, just as she has done, by becoming a young entrepreneur.
Nuray Mahomed was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of five. Her mother, Neesa, said that she has a development disability which has caused her to have significant social, communicative and behavioural challenges.
“Children with these challenges don’t look different from others but are completely different in the way they communicate, interact, behave and learn. We had a lot of struggles getting her basic education as some of the schooling systems had no specific programmes for children like Nuray. Through intense research and perseverance, I was able to understand Nuray’s needs and was able to be her teacher as well,” she said.
Neesa said that when Nuray was initially diagnosed, she could not imagine all that she could accomplish as a person living with Autism, facing intellectual and health challenges.
“We really didn’t know what her future was going to look like. Nuray had had lots of ugly, unpleasant experiences with society. People are so unaware of these children’s abilities and tend to be very cold towards them. These children often go through a lot of rejection, especially from children their own age.
“Around the world, many societies view Autism as a source of disappointment, annoyance or shame. As a mom to a special needs child for 17 years now, I think that society needs to be more educated on Autism. These children deserve to be among us all; they can make a difference if we stand by them,” she said.
Neesa said that as parents, it was difficult for them to figure out a career path for Nuray. An especially concerning task was finding an employer who would understand her, and the right environment for her.
“That’s when we decided that entrepreneurship will work best for her; she should have her own business. Since Nuray absolutely loves baking and being part of the kitchen, and because doughnuts are her favourite, we thought ‘why not create a doughnut business?’
“As a family, we decided to support her 100% in having a successful business, giving her the best that she deserves. Thus, Yummy Mini Doughnuts was born,” she said.
Nuray and her team of doughnut makers recently made their way to the Child Welfare Chatsworth Gold Rush Foundation’s Charity Fair, where she got to interact with people and share her love for doughnuts.
While she received a resounding and overall positive response, Nuray was also made aware of some real-world reactions when her Autism was not disclosed to members of the public.
“She was presented as just herself to the public and some people who did not know that she was Autistic were not exactly forthcoming about being kind to a teenager, let alone her being an ordinary person. There was an obvious shift in demeanour when we disclosed her Autism but this is not her sole identity and people should also learn the importance of kindness to everyone, irrespective of their different abilities,” said Neesa.
Through her business, Nuray has also been given hope and feels a sense of belonging.
Thus far, Nuray has learnt leadership development, how to count and take account of money, and has started to learn how to solve problems that may arise in the process. In addition to this, Nuray’s health has also improved.
Her younger sister, 14-year-old Sunay, is her pillar of strength who helps her tremendously with her day-to-day tasks. “I try my best to motivate her into becoming a successful businesswoman one day, and I am so glad and grateful to be by her side through this journey,” said Sunay.
Neesa hopes that other parents with special needs children are inspired by Nuray’s achievements.
She said: “Have compassion for your children, not pity. These children are not write-offs. Be there to support them in making a success of their lives so that when you are not around one day, they are capable of taking care of themselves.
“Naturally, parenting is difficult for any parent but being a parent to a special needs child can be very challenging and also includes lots of unexpected obstacles along the way. Raising a child with special needs can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and burnt out beyond your limits.
“There are days when feeling alone is the only thought you have while juggling doctors and therapist appointments. What helps is knowing that you have the right emotional support; it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who understand your child’s needs.”
Neesa wants to remind parents of special needs children that even though it is a part of your identity, it is not all of you and you also deserve time for yourself, and to connect with people who relate to your journey.
“At the end of it all, remember that you are your child’s advocate because you know your child the best. Always remember to celebrate those little achievements and accomplishments in style as it may be small to you but huge to your child. No matter what your profession is, make that time to play, laugh, be silly with and to enjoy your kids,” she said.
Nuray hopes to one day own a doughnut shop and thanked the Chatsworth community for all their support thus far.
