In Sidharth Chandran’s world, words don’t come easy—at least not through speaking.
“My mind and body work differently. I express myself through typing,” says Chandran.
Living with autism, he feels cocooned due to isolation and challenges. “I struggle with social anxiety and sensory sensitivities, avoiding social situations. I move away from groups of people. I pace and self-stimulate to calm myself,” he explains.
As a teenager, Chandran recalls his happiness discovering that he could use an alphabet board to communicate. Of course, there were issues that had to be addressed first before a communication therapist could work with him to help with typing.
“Prior to a keyboard, I used pictures. But the keyboard was more useful,” he says.
Chandran’s journey with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has evolved with technology.
He has enjoyed various applications, acknowledging that certain apps were superior to others. “On the iPad, I have used Proloquo2Go, Verbally, iMean, and a few other apps.”
Now he favours the iPad Pro the most, despite having used the Lightwriter and Allora in the past, which are dedicated speech generating devices. Although he has used Lightwriter and the Allora prior to using the iPad, the mainstream nature of the iPad Pro appeals to him in his communication journey.
For Chandran, the sensory disabilities have affected his daily interactions. The challenges were in dealing with loud noises, crowded environments, and bright lights. To cope, he would cover his ears with his hands, walk away from overwhelming places, and find comfort in taking multiple showers or using a brush against his skin. Seeking solitude in isolated spaces allowed him to be alone and undisturbed.
“My autism significantly impacts my daily life. I have a constant need to be in motion and struggle to stand still due to an overwhelming feeling in my stomach. Processing information takes time, making communication delayed. Additionally, I have trouble with my right eye, need touch to stay focused, and experience difficulty with sensory overload. Understanding and support from researchers are essential in addressing these challenges,” he says.
So, he expresses gratitude for living in an era with access to AAC resulting from technological advancements.
But with a desire to educate others about his experience of living with Autism, Chandran was motivated to write his book, “An Unspoken Story.”
“I believe that the more people understand autism, the easier it becomes for us autistics to connect with the world. My book serves as a means to share insights and foster understanding, ultimately promoting empathy and acceptance,” he says.
The book, a heartfelt project, aims to shed light on the unique perspective of a non-speaking autistic person, providing valuable insights for families, therapists, and the world at large.
“My book offers a unique perspective on autism from a non-speaking individual’s point of view. Understanding and helping people like me can be a challenge for families, therapists, and society at large. Despite being non-speaking, I can communicate in some way, and this puts me in a minority group that provides insight into severe autism.
“It aims to improve understanding and acceptance of non-speaking autism. Through my unique perspective, I want to show how non-speakers can communicate effectively and break stereotypes. By sharing our experiences, I hope to create a more inclusive and knowledgeable community.”
His earnest wish? That these insights from autistics like him “should be sought and taken seriously by researchers.”
The pivotal role of therapists and support workers in Chandran’s life is undeniable. A combined force of multiple therapies, exercises, and consistent support has enabled him to self-regulate, control impulses, and communicate more effectively.
When asked about his views on the support system for non-speaking individuals with autism, he emphasises the need for training, consistency, and commitment, which he feels are currently lacking.
Chandran believes AAC tools require more extensive research and development to address their current shortcomings. “While I find the Grid useful, I wish for a tool that allows me to access it independently. Improving word prediction capabilities would be beneficial, as typing each letter individually can be exhausting. I hope for advancements that reduce the demand on users like me. Moreover, other aspects of AAC usage also require more thorough and open-minded research.”
In his pursuit of change, Chandran envisions himself as a soldier, advocating for equal opportunities and inclusivity for autistic individuals.
When asked about his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), he displays profound optimism. “AI has great potential to help autistic people live their lives better,” he asserts, believing it can improve the functionality of assistive communication devices and increase user independence.
Chandran is a passionate advocate seeking to change society’s perception of people with disabilities. He aims for more employment opportunities for individuals with autism and hopes for advancements that will enable him and others to live independently.
No doubt Chandran’s journey is a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of persistence. As he types his thoughts into existence, he weaves a beautiful tapestry of words, each sentence a thread in the story of a remarkable journey from silence to expression.
(Read Sidharth Chandran’s book An Unspoken Story: Living with Autism, available on Amazon)
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Sidharth Chandran, living with #autism, overcame communication challenges using technology. His book "An Unspoken Story" aims to foster understanding & promote empathy for non-speaking autistic individuals. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/HIcmzGYN2N
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