The Journey to Independence for a Child with Autism

My son, Ananda, is an adult with Autism. He showed signs of Autism at 12 months old. He exhibited bubbling behavior, only wanted things by pointing, was hyperactive, frequently opened the refrigerator, paced back and forth, and remained nonverbal beyond the age of two.

These characteristics prompted me to investigate his condition. At the time, there were very few resources on the development of children with Autism. In the midst of the difficulty of finding resources, my supervisor, Mrs. Susi, introduced me to the Indonesian Autism Foundation and Dr. Melly Anandaman. Thereafter, I diagnosed my child at 18 months old..

At the age of two, I began therapy for Ananda. He underwent behavioral therapy with Mr. Wardi and a team of therapists. Additionally, for two weeks, Ananda underwent integrated auditory training and biomedical therapy. This biomedical therapy was used to identify metabolic disorders and reduce mercury toxicity in the body.

Ananda's educational journey

After undergoing various therapies, I began sending Ananda to school. I sent him to Mutiara Indonesia Kindergarten (TK Mutiara Indonesia). The teachers at Mutiara Indonesia Kindergarten have backgrounds in psychology, which made them understand his condition.

After kindergarten, I then sent him to Cikal Inclusive Elementary School (SD Inklusi). This school conducts instruction in two languages: Indonesian and English. Like at Mutiara Indonesia Kindergarten, many of the teachers and even parents have backgrounds in psychology. This background greatly contributed to creating a positive teaching environment. While at school, Ananda was taught to be brave, not shy, and to develop independence.

Then, after graduating from elementary school, Ananda continued on to junior high and high school. In junior high and high school, Ananda attended Cita Buana without a shadow teacher. It's true that he missed some lessons. However, thanks to the positive support of the environment, Ananda was able to complete both levels.

After graduating from high school, Ananda enrolled at Binus University. During his three years studying at Binus, Ananda served as a guide. As a guide, Ananda assisted fellow students from abroad, from picking them up from the airport to providing information about transportation, public places, and important contact information.

Since graduating from Binus, Ananda has worked at a digital graphic services startup.

Challenges faced by ananda

Throughout Ananda's education and development, he faced various challenges. The most memorable one was when Ananda experienced verbal bullying from a neighbor. The bullying traumatized him, and he even refused to return home.

Ananda experienced bullying not only at home but also at school. One time, a classmate threw an eraser and a piece of paper with scribbles on it at him. Upon learning of the bullying, the school immediately took action. They decided to expel the student who bullied Ananda.

Besides bullying, other challenges came from myself and my family, particularly financial ones. Our financial decisions prioritized the interests of our children. We must prioritize the economy over personal needs to ensure its smooth operation.

To maintain economic stability, parents inevitably have to work. Furthermore, therapy and other essentials require significant costs. Due to parents' work commitments, there is a strict timetable that balances childcare and work responsibilities.

Lesson and inspiration

The challenges we face certainly don't discourage us. We must believe that our children will improve through effort, prayer, and dedication. We must exert maximum effort, from physical exertion to financial well-being.

Managing child development doesn't have to involve expensive professional assistance. Parents can learn to become therapists and use homemade tools to facilitate children's learning and therapy activities.

I believe that a child's success begins with a united and committed family. Don't leave most of the support to others. I oppose parents who send their kids to boarding schools, where they don't know what's happening to them.

The most important role of parents is to build an emotional bond with their children. No one else can replace that bond.

The author is the mother of Ananda, an adult with Autism who currently works at a startup company.