In its powerful and final episode, Parenting Aaj Kal turns the spotlight on one of the most pressing and often silenced issues in Indian households, raising children with disabilities. Hosted by developmental
pediatrician Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, the episode brings together Nidhi Singhal, Director of Research & Training at Action for Autism, and Ved Gangoly, a 21-year-old autistic self-advocate and youth worker.
Together, they navigate questions many parents whisper in private: How do we tell our child about their diagnosis? How do we advocate for them in school and at work? And most importantly, what does “normal” even mean?
Rethinking 'Normal'
One of the central themes the episode unpacks is society’s obsession with normalcy. “Disability is as normal as normal is normal,” reminds Nidhi. The goal as the speakers argue, should not be to mold children into a socially defined “average” but to help them understand themselves and advocate for their needs.
For many children, this starts with disclosure. Dr. Vibha highlights that avoiding conversations about diagnosis only fuels shame and confusion. “There is nothing wrong with having autism,” she stresses. Giving children language to describe their differences helps them feel less “less-than” and more in control of their lives.
Building inclusive communities
Another key thread running through the episode is the need for collective responsibility. Advocacy, the panelists note, is a team effort that involves parents, teachers, counselors, and eventually employers. Clear routines at school or work, like structured breaks or quieter seating, can make a world of difference. And when a child shows behaviors like meltdowns or repetition, parents are urged to see these not as defiance but as communication.
The conversation insists that shifting narratives at home is equally important. The way parents speak about their children signals to others how they should be treated. Respect and capability must be modeled from within the family. “Stop complaining and start listening,” as Nidhi puts it, sums up the shift needed in schools and communities alike.
