Autism Awareness Month, observed every April, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
One parent, Kurosha Yenketsamy, whose child was diagnosed with autism at the age of five, opened up about the early signs, the struggles they faced in seeking a diagnosis, and how their family navigates the challenges day by day.
“Our journey began when our child was around three years old. He was very hyperactive, and there was no speech development. At first, we didn’t know anything about autism. We thought he was just speech delayed.
“It wasn’t until we started noticing other behaviours—like meltdowns, sensitivity to loud sounds, and a preference for being alone—that we realised something more was going on,” she said.
The family’s search for answers led them to a paediatric neurologist, who recommended speech and occupational therapy.
“We tried these therapies for two years, but we didn’t see the improvements we were hoping for. It wasn’t until he was five that we finally received the autism diagnosis. It gave us clarity, but also left us with so many questions on how to help him,” said Yenketsamy.
She added that communication has been one of the greatest challenges for their child.
“He has very few words in his vocabulary, but he understands what we say to him. It’s difficult for him to interact with other children, and he prefers to be in his own space. He gets overwhelmed in public places or when there’s too much stimulation,” she said.
Despite the challenges, the family has worked tirelessly to support their child.
She said: “We’ve used a combination of therapies: speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy. Although his speech hasn’t developed the way we hoped, these therapies have helped him manage his daily struggles, and they’ve played a huge role in his progress.”
At home, the family creates an environment of learning and engagement.
“We speak to him constantly, using simple words and routines to build his vocabulary. He loves baking with me, and that’s become a special time for us. It helps keep him calm and focused, and it’s something he looks forward to,” she said.
Yenketsamy added that their child’s school has been instrumental in providing additional support.
“The school has been amazing in creating a routine and supporting his development. They’ve helped address behavioural challenges and identified his strengths, which they’re always working to build on,” she said.
Looking back on their journey, Yenketsamy offers advice to those facing a similar path: “An autism diagnosis doesn’t define your child. With the right support, your child can overcome many challenges. Be patient, be their advocate, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There’s a lot of support out there, and you don’t have to go through it alone.”
Nishla Maharaj, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works with children with autism and other disabilities, shared her approach to supporting them. She said that the key is understanding that every child is unique and requires tailored support.
“As an SLP, my job is to help children communicate in whatever way works for them—whether that’s through speech, gestures, symbols, or even devices. We work as part of a team with parents, teachers, and other therapists to ensure we meet the child’s needs,” Maharaj explained.
She added that children with autism often face significant speech and communication challenges.
“Children on the spectrum may have no functional speech, or their speech may be limited. They can have difficulty with social communication, understanding non-verbal cues, and participating in conversations. They may repeat phrases from TV shows or struggle with interpreting figurative language. Social cues like facial expressions or turn-taking can be confusing for them,” she said.
Maharaj said that the therapy process is highly structured and focused on using visual supports.
“Children with autism are typically visual learners, so we use things like visual schedules, labels, and pictures to help them understand the environment and their routines. This approach helps them feel secure and know what to expect throughout the day,” she said.
For children who have limited or no speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools play a crucial role.
“We introduce communication boards, Makaton, and other AAC tools to help children express themselves. It’s about providing them with the tools to communicate in a way that works for them. Some children even use these methods as a stepping stone toward developing speech,” said Maharaj.
Beyond language, social communication is a key focus in the classroom. “We use group therapy and role-playing to teach conversational skills and how to navigate social situations. Our goal is to help these children feel more confident and develop the skills they need to interact with others,” she explained.
The holistic, team-based approach is at the heart of supporting children with autism.
Maharaj said: “Working together with parents, teachers, and other professionals is essential. Each discipline plays a role in addressing the child’s educational, emotional, and social needs. This collaboration helps ensure that children receive the best possible care.”
“We need to create spaces where children with autism feel safe and accepted. When we work together with empathy and understanding, we can help these children achieve their full potential and become confident, independent individuals.”
Yenketsamy and Maharaj highlighted the importance of raising awareness and fostering understanding within society.
“People need to understand autism and the unique challenges that families face. More than that, they need to recognise the strengths that children with autism bring to the world,” Yenketsamy said.
Maharaj added: “Awareness and inclusion are essential. When society understands autism better, it can be more supportive, empathetic, and welcoming to children and families affected by it.”
