How to Stay Balanced: Choosing What’s Right for Your Child

In this thoughtful video, Vidya P. — a parent to a 25-year-old on the Autism spectrum and a teacher — talks about the difficult balance many families try to find between the mainstream world and the special needs community. She shares how hard it can be to deal with the pressure and confusion that often come after a child’s diagnosis, and why it’s important for parents to stay calm, informed, and true to what feels right for their child.

Between Hope and Doubt: The Two Extremes Parents Face

Vidya highlights a critical truth many caregivers encounter early on — the tension between hope for a ‘cure’ and distrust of all interventions. She explains how, in moments of desperation or denial, families may become vulnerable to miracle promises or unverified therapies. This pursuit, though well-intentioned, can drain time, money, and energy — often without any meaningful benefit to the child.

On the other hand, parents may swing to the opposite extreme — becoming deeply cynical or distrustful of professionals, therapies, or even peer advice. This guardedness, while protective in nature, can also lead to isolation, missed opportunities, and added emotional strain.

Building a Centered, Grounded Approach

So, what’s the solution? Vidya suggests that finding a balance between openness and caution is key. She encourages parents to develop a thoughtful decision-making process rooted in research, reflection, and resonance with one’s values. Every therapy, modality, or support service should be evaluated not just for its claims, but for its alignment with the child’s individual needs and family context.

“Trust your instincts, but also verify with information,” Vidya advises. She reminds families that the best judge of what works is not desperation — but discernment.

The Role of Community and Shared Wisdom

Another powerful source of support, Vidya emphasizes, is the special needs community itself. Connecting with other families going through similar journeys can provide both emotional validation and practical guidance. However, she gently cautions against over-reliance on any one voice or path. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s crucial to stay centered in one’s own understanding, while still learning from others.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Clarity

This video is a gentle yet powerful reminder that families don’t need to choose between extremes. They can hold space for both realism and hope, skepticism and trust. Vidya’s message is ultimately one of self-empowerment — encouraging parents to slow down, seek knowledge, and build support systems that are grounded, balanced, and attuned to the best interests of their child.

👉 You can also watch another video by Vidya titled “Understanding the Realities of Raising a Child with Autism: Vidya’s Honest Reflection”, where she shares more insights from her personal journey.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.