CategoriesStories of ChangeIn Shadipur, a dense neighborhood tucked behind Delhi’s roaring traffic, Sandeep spent most of his childhood indoors. Born in 2004 in Punjab, Sandeep faced health challenges from the start—jaundice, seizures, delayed development. His parents, both daily wage workers, had little time or money to seek specialized care. “People used to say he’s cursed,” his father […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeWhen Esha walks into a room, the first thing you notice is her style—carefully chosen earrings, a matching purse, and an easy grace that wasn’t always there. Born with intellectual disability and microcephalus, Esha’s childhood was filled with medical visits and uncertainty. Her mother remembers the sleepless nights—“We didn’t know if she would walk, talk, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeIn a narrow lane of South-west Delhi, 16-year-old Harshit sits by the window, watching traffic crawl by. He hums softly—an old Bollywood tune—his fingers tapping in rhythm on the sill. For years, Harshit’s world felt much smaller than this view. His parents remember the struggle vividly. “He would forget everything he learned,” his father says, […]
CategoriesParent SupportAs special educators, we are taught not to make assumptions. But the first thing I tell teachers is that there are two things they must always believe: first, that parents are always trying to do the best for their children, and second, that we must presume competence — in the children and in their parents. That being […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeWhen Aanchal, a young girl from Shadipur Transit Camp, first came to Ashish Foundation a year ago, life was full of challenges. She had never attended school, struggled with basic hygiene, and found it difficult to follow routines or interact with others. Growing up in a low-income settlement, she had almost no access to education […]
CategoriesAwarenessFriendship, Neurodiversity, and the Power of Interdependence Friendship is one of life’s greatest joys—a source of laughter, belonging, and emotional well-being. But for neurodivergent people, including those on the autism spectrum, forming and sustaining friendships can be more complex due to differences in communication, social understanding, and sensory experiences. In a society that glorifies independence, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeFor most people, a first paycheck marks a personal milestone—an achievement to be proud of.For Isha Kohli, it represents something far deeper: a lifeline and a testament to resilience in a world that was not ready for her. Early Struggles Isha’s story begins with exclusion. At just five years old, she was expelled from school […]
CategoriesAwareness Parent Support“Autism is one word attempting to describe millions of different stories.” – Duncan, 2012 Autism—what does it really mean? You may have heard phrases like “suffering from autism” or claims that vaccines cause autism. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding autism. These myths can be offensive, harmful, stigmatizing, or simply misleading (One Central Health, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeSiya then: Overcoming Early Hardships Born into a struggling family in a Delhi slum, Siya was the youngest of seven siblings. Her arrival into the world was marked by immense challenges—she was a premature baby diagnosed with Down syndrome and a severe heart condition. Her mother, a hardworking domestic worker, tirelessly cared for the family, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeNeha Manjhi, a vibrant and determined young woman, has navigated her life with resilience and a strong sense of self. At 23, she carries with her a unique blend of creativity, ambition, and an unwavering love for hands-on activities. From childhood to adulthood, her journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of growing up with […]
