Mother's Career Sacrifice Unlocks Independence for Autistic Son
In a heartfelt journey of love and resilience, Punarnava Saha, now 52, made a life-altering decision that reshaped her family's future. She walked away from a promising corporate career in Mumbai to dedicate herself fully to her son, Vihaan, who was diagnosed with mild autism at a young age. This bold move, driven by maternal instinct, has led to a remarkable transformation over the years.
Early Struggles and Diagnosis
As a child, Vihaan faced significant communication challenges. He spoke very little, often relying on gestures to express himself, and exhibited occasional aggressive behaviors. What initially appeared to be a simple speech delay was later identified as mild autism, leaving Saha to navigate the dual pressures of her professional life and her son's unique needs.
Recalling those early years, Saha shared, "By the time he was three, I realised something was different. He barely spoke and mostly pointed at things. Initially, I thought it was a speech issue, but it turned out to be a learning disorder." This realization marked the beginning of a difficult but necessary journey.
The Decisive Move to Vadodara
In 2011, Saha made a pivotal choice: she left Mumbai and relocated to Vadodara. This shift was aimed at providing Vihaan with more time, attention, and access to various activities that could support his development. Reflecting on this decision, Saha calls it the best she ever made, as it created a nurturing environment crucial for her son's growth.
"I had to decide between my work and my child, and I chose Vihaan," she explained. "Moving to a smaller city made it easier for him to access activities and for me to give him the time he needed." This sacrifice underscores the profound commitment required in parenting children with special needs.
Transformation and Independence
Fifteen years later, the results of Saha's dedication are evident. Today, at 20 years old, Vihaan has blossomed into an independent and supportive young man. He manages his daily routine with confidence and actively assists his mother at home, showcasing significant progress from his earlier struggles.
"Vihaan has come a long way. He now handles his daily chores and even helps me out," said Saha, who is an advocate and management graduate. She recounts the small but meaningful changes with immense pride, highlighting how Vihaan now drives their scooter to take her around the city and serves her food after a long day at work.
"There was a time when I constantly worried about his condition. Now, it's a wonderful feeling to see him grow into a responsible young man," she added, emphasizing the emotional reward of her journey.
Academic Achievements and Future Prospects
Vihaan is currently preparing for his Class 12 examinations, demonstrating academic determination and self-reliance. Notably, he did not use a writer during his Class 10 exams despite being eligible, and he continues to write all his papers independently. "I am very proud of him," Saha stated, highlighting his perseverance and growth.
This story serves as a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated care and support for individuals with autism. It aligns with World Autism Awareness Day, emphasizing the importance of understanding and inclusion in society.
