'We need to stop having low expectations from autistic children'

Visitors at the ‘Views from Planet Autism 2015’ were treated to awe-inspiring works of art by over 28 artists on the autism spectrum. The event, held in April, observed as the world autism awareness month, was organised by Action for Autism.

The event provides a platform for persons with autism to showcase their creativity and consider a career in art.

Rediff.com contributor Upasna Pandey spoke with parents of some artists who participated in the event.

Ram K Shukla, father of Shashwat, 15, one of the artists who participated in the exhibition, said his son has been drawing and doing single stroke works since he was a toddler. He is fascinated with wild animals and nature. “When Shashwat used the Delhi Metro, he was impressed with it. He has been doing clay sculptures for over four years now,” says Ram.

Shashwat is a student at a special children school in Noida, where he lives with his parents.

“We noticed many talents in Shashwat in his early years, which included sharp memory, ear for music, and singing, later he also started drawing and sculpting,” says Ram.

As a first time entrant at the exhibition, Shashwat’s works included a horse-rider and Ganesha sculptures among other works.

Did Shashwat enjoy all the attention his work received at the exhibition? “He enjoys more the idea of drawing and making sculptures rather than the idea of being in the limelight for any reason,” adds Ram.

Shashwat recently joined Kala Dham at Greater Noida, where he is training under a guru to improve his drawing and sculpting skills. Recalling his childhood, Ram says, “We struggled for some years as there were no special schools or special educators for children like him. Then we discovered a school that runs a special needs school branch in Noida, and we are happy with our son’s progress.”

Another issue facing families of people on the autism spectrum is the high cost of education as compared to average schools.

Though Shashwat’s parents acknowledged his needs, Ram says it took some time for the family to “come out of the shell and become indifferent towards social stigma. Today I am so proud that my son is exhibiting his work,” he adds.

Arun Kumar Sarkar, a resident of Kolkata, speaks about the art works done by his 22-year-old son, Abhishek, who participated in the exhibition. “Abhishek has been doing pencil sketches and paper tear and collage making for a long time now. His favourite subjects are animals and nature and sceneries and he is also keen on learning yoga and computers.”

Abhishek goes to a special school where he is training in pre-vocational skills. “The government is not doing enough in terms of setting up schools and providing facilities to allow proper progress of such children,” says Arun.

Merry Barua, founder and director, Action for Autism, says that there is far less stigma and shame now as compared to 25 years ago when they started.

She explains that in villages where we still have joint families people on the autism spectrum don’t face many issues in terms of mobility, things are still better managed. “It is in urban cities, with shrinking family sizes and rising pressures of city life, it is becoming quite tough for families to manage persons on the autism spectrum,” she says.

Merry credits the internet for helping break the barriers and connecting families across locations. They are now able to share their experiences, avail services and reach out for support as well.

“The important thing is that we have to stop having low expectations from autistic children or people and recognise them for the talents or skills they possess,” argues Merry.

She agrees that government has been working in this field but much more needs to be done and fast. “More schools for such children which are also affordable are needed. It cannot be offered as a premium service which is much more expensive than average school fees, and there needs to be more special educators,” she adds.

She insists that there can be real change only when “we stop taking pity on such artists and children. It is time to take them seriously.”