Understanding the Realities of Raising a Child with Autism: Vidya’s Honest Reflection

Accepting the Diagnosis: A Journey of Realism, Reflection, and Resilience

In this heartfelt video, Vidya P., a parent to a 25-year-old on the Autism spectrum and a teacher, shares a deeply personal reflection on what it truly means to accept a child’s diagnosis with compassion and clarity.

She reminds parents that acceptance doesn’t come overnight. It’s normal to go through many emotions — shock, denial, guilt, sadness, and even anger. Vidya urges caregivers to be kind to themselves and take the time they need to process everything. Pushing away feelings or chasing quick answers often causes more harm than good.

Being Realistic Without Losing Hope

Vidya gently emphasizes the importance of having realistic expectations. She encourages families to move away from the idea of “reversing” or “curing” Autism. These ideas, while tempting in moments of distress, can be misleading and even damaging. Instead, she advocates for understanding and supporting your child for who they are — not who society says they should be.

At the same time, being realistic doesn’t mean giving up. It means focusing on progress, celebrating small wins, and supporting your child in building skills that help them live a meaningful life — on their own terms.

Supporting the Child’s Self-Esteem

Vidya strongly highlights the importance of nurturing a child’s self-esteem — especially for children with Autism, who are often made to feel like they don’t “fit in.” Over time, this can impact how they see themselves and their abilities.

She encourages parents to create opportunities where children feel capable and proud — through daily tasks, hobbies, or small responsibilities. When children are included meaningfully and their efforts are celebrated, it builds confidence and a sense of belonging.

Vidya reminds us that self-esteem grows when children are valued for who they are — not who they’re expected to become. How we speak to and about them matters. Choosing strengths-based language and acknowledging small victories can go a long way in helping a child feel secure and respected.

Support for the Parent Is Just as Important

As a mother who has walked this road for more than two decades, Vidya also reminds caregivers that they need care too. Accepting your child’s diagnosis also means accepting your own needs — for rest, emotional space, connection, and community.

She encourages parents to connect with others who understand the journey. While professionals and therapies are important, so is being part of a support system where you can share your story, laugh, cry, and feel less alone.

🎥 You can also watch another video by Vidya, where she shares more about accepting the diagnosis, processing complex emotions, and finding strength through self-kindness and realistic hope.

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.