Author of “LIVING WITH SPECIAL ABILITIES- A PARENT’S JOURNEY WITH AUTISM”
Writing a book about one’s challenges as a parent of a special child and a professional working with neurodiverse children, is an emotional experience. The need for Awareness, Empathy and Inclusion of children with special needs in society inspired me to write this book.
It took me years of sleepless nights organising my thoughts to share my knowledge and experiences with other parents. The knowledge and skills acquired through years of observation and personal contact with the painful challenges in life of bringing up a special needs child, have been shared in “Living With Special Abilities – A Parent’s Journey with autism.” This was not an easy task. Just looking back at those experiences brought on a series of emotional breakdowns. I motivated myself with the thought that ‘reminiscence provides one with the strength that holds you through life’. I was lucky to have a young talented artist, my child, to fill the gaps in illustrations.
Finally, the draft was ready. But there were no takers for content that threw light on one of the most vulnerable sections of our society. Finding the right publisher was the most challenging part of this process. The rejection was very disheartening and discouraging as I was a first-time author and an alien to the publishing world.
The most fulfilling part is the readers of my book, individuals with their unique preferences and experiences. The valuable feedback I receive from them is no less than precious gems, creating lasting bonds between me and my readers. This book serves as a guiding and inspirational tool for the parents who are on the path I have walked.
I also hope to continue building these emotional connections with new explorers of autism and disability. I hope one day, I will make a difference in the world and motivate others to give back to society. Awareness, Empathy and Inclusion of special needs are all I want. Writing a book about one’s challenges as a parent of a special child and a professional working with neurodiverse children, is an emotional experience. The need for Awareness, Empathy and Inclusion of children with special needs in society inspired me to write this book.
Living with Special Abilities – A parent’s journey with autism – ZorbaBooks
Afroze Jahan is, first of all, a mother of two boys who are striving to achieve their milestones of adolescent years and, secondly, a professional in the field of mental health. As a budding author and a parent of a special child, she has a slew of ideas to pass on to the parents who are in need of guidance. Her passion for helping parents and children led her to change her profession from a Microbiologist to a Psychologist and mental Health Professional. This helped her refine her skills and confidently handle diverse situations in life. By sharing her experiences as a special parent, she intends to provide a soothing and comfortable environment for those parents who feel they are the only ones in the whole world to face disability in life. She has specialized in child and adolescent issues, childhood disabilities, family issues, emotional issues, behavioural issues, educational issues, etc. She is currently employed as a counsellor in the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) and works as a psychologist with an NGO, Tamana Autism Centre. She has also worked with Udaan- an NGO working with special children, and NIPCCD- the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.