In our tech-centric world, technology's potential to transform lives surpasses convenience or entertainment. Keerthana Kolli, a courageous working mother navigating her child's autism, has found technology to be an indispensable tool that has transformed her daughter's life and empowered her beyond imagination. Kolli works as Project Manager with Avaz Inc. and along with juggling her job, she also looks after her daughter, Vaanya (5).
Vaanya was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Kolli shares her experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of technology in improving communication and enriching the lives of individuals with autism.
The Diagnosis: Navigating Uncharted Territory
When Vaanya's autism diagnosis came at the age of 2.5, Kolli found herself in uncharted territory. Kolli reflects on her lack of knowledge about autism before her daughter's diagnosis and how she observed the symptoms and developmental delays as Vaanya grew older. She recalls the regression phase at 18 months, a common sign of autism, and the difficulties she faced in finding guidance and support during that time. It was only when Vaanya reached two and a half years old that Kolli made the brave decision to consult a doctor, leading to her daughter's official diagnosis.
Also Read: Virtual Autism In Children: Expert Explains Symptoms, Causes, & Tips To Deal With It
Support In The Face Of Resistance: Breaking The Stigma
The journey did not become any easier after the diagnosis. Kolli encountered initial resistance and a lack of acceptance from those around her, even from close family members. Kolli emphasises the need for a strong support system and highlights the isolation and misunderstanding many mothers of autistic children face. She said, “I feel like only once I started advocating and started blogging about autism or started tangibly sharing snippets of Vaanya. It was only then that a lot of people started understanding and started reaching out to me for help.”
Mental Health And Acceptance: Finding Balance In The Journey
Kolli opens up about the immense physical and mental exhaustion she experienced when she first began navigating the world of autism. The fear of the unknown and uncertainties about the future strained her relationships with family and friends. She said, “There was also an underlying grief that I hadn't answered leading to a burnout. It was only when I started retrospecting and accepted that this is a lifelong condition, things took a different turn.”
She suggested that setting realistic goals for parents and their children can alleviate the burden and contribute to better mental health and coping strategies.
She added, "I'm proud that I have realised when I'm not able to do something, I stop and take a break. I think the first step is for you to realise what is happening to you. What are you feeling? When do you have to stop?"
Alexa And Avaz AAC: Revolutionary Tools for Communication
It was through technology that Kolli discovered a game-changing breakthrough in communication. Children with autism often have difficulty expressing themselves and to counter this Kolli sought the help of technology; Alexa and Avaz AAC.
Avaz AAC, a communication app integrated with visual representations of language, became an essential tool in helping Vaanya express herself. By providing visual and auditory feedback, Avaz addressed the communication gaps that had previously hindered Vaanya's progress. Additionally, Alexa, a voice-activated virtual assistant, became a source of empowerment for Vaanya.
She said, “Alexa was the greatest motivation for me. It gives my child a sense of independence that she doesn't have to rely on someone else. This feeling is critical for these children because they get a sense of achievement that otherwise they do not have the opportunity to.”
She said, "Her needs were higher and the communication was unclear. But once she got the device, she could select the item that she wanted, and she understood the power of communication there. She realised that she can ask for something, and if she asks for something, she is getting it in return."
Technology As A Bridge: Reshaping The Communication For Autism
Kolli's journey with technology highlights its transformative power in the lives of individuals with autism. She recognises that technology is not a mere convenience but a language system that can bridge the communication gap and provide individuals like Vaanya with a way to express their thoughts and needs. By embracing alternative forms of communication and leveraging the potential of technology, we can create an inclusive environment where individuals with autism can thrive.
She said, “Being able to control your environment through technology is liberating for them. It's also very relaxing for us because it takes away the load and it's a way for you to presume competence. It's a way that she can tell me she has thoughts.”
Acceptance And Learning: A Message To Parents Of Autistic Children
Kolli said, "You should accept the condition. It is a brave step because even if you are currently in fear of grief, even if you postpone this feeling thinking that it's going to get better over time, it's not. And it's only going to deteriorate the child's situation and your situation too. So take the first step to accept the condition and learn about it. Unless you learn about the condition, there's not much support that you can give to the child."
Redefining Disability: Role Of The Environment
Kolli asserted that it is the environment that can either empower or disable individuals with autism. She said, "If I can equip my environment in a way that she can access it comfortably, then I can determine whether she can do something or not."
She added, "If we keep relying on verbal speech as a way of communication, we will never be able to get the child where they can be. It only happens when we go down to their level and understand their comfort level and requirements. Verbal speech may not be the only way that you express anything. And people should be open to all forms of communication. We need more technologies like this. Only then we will be able to empower them truly and take them forward."
Also Read: A Special Needs Mom Shares How Quality Of Life In Children With Autism Can Be Improved
Bottomline
In this captivating narrative, Kolli's experiences serve as a powerful reminder that acceptance, support, and technology can shape a brighter future for individuals with autism. By sharing her story, she aims to inspire parents and caregivers to embrace the possibilities technology offers and create a nurturing environment where children with autism can flourish. Through understanding, acceptance, and the power of technology, we can build a more inclusive society that empowers every individual, regardless of their unique abilities.