Let's talk - Autism (ASD)

Let’s Talk: Autism

Join us for a screening, followed by a discussion and Q&A with professionals.

In this video, Nikhil, Aarti, and Suha share their lived experiences as individuals with autism, while Sushama offers insights from a caregiver’s perspective. Through their stories, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of autism and catch a glimpse of the world through their eyes.

Let’s listen, reflect, and learn together.

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Aarti

Aarti is an enthusiastic and social person who loves music, animals, and being around people. She is a talented singer, plays multiple instruments by ear, and works at Café Arpan, where her warmth shines in customer interactions. Aarti values her independence and enjoys simple joys like feeding pigeons and listening to plane engines.

Nikhil

Nikhil is a dedicated and hardworking cashier assistant at Café Arpan. He enjoys watching mythological serials, following politics, and reading the Times of India. He thrives in structured environments, values routine, and cherishes his close-knit family.

Suha

Suhasini "Suha" Sundaresan is a psychologist, mental health counselor, and self-advocacy consultant at Yash Charitable Trust. An autistic self-advocate, she is passionate about inclusivity and mental health. Suha loves music, tattoos, writing poetry, and dreams of opening an animal hospital.

Dr. Sushama Nagarkar 

Dr. Sushama Nagarkar is a psychologist, educator, and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. As a caregiver to her daughter Aarti, she deeply understands the need for inclusive support systems. She is the founder of Yash Charitable Trust, dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities. A registered Rehabilitation Psychologist, she holds degrees from St. Xavier’s College and Bombay University, with additional certifications from the U.S. Passionate about lifelong learning, she enjoys yoga, reading, and traveling.

Let's Talk | The series:

There is a gap between what someone experiences and what we presume. It is key that we bring people with lived-experience to understand better the multifactorial nature of the decision as well as the experience in order to support and understand them. The goal is not to judge, glorify, victimize, generalize or weaponize but to understand.

After the event, there will be a facilitated sharing circle for all participants. This is because the topic and event may be triggering. If you need space to be held for you - to talk, to question, to discuss - feel free to stay back. This will happen after 7:30pm at the same location.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Attending this event requires you to make an informed decision about your mental state of mind at this point in your life. Certain parts can be sensitive or triggering. 

2. Attending this event means you acknowledge the sensitivity of the subject and promise to respect the privacy and vulnerability of the other attendees as well as the speakers. The speakers, especially the ones with lived experience, have agreed to share one aspect of their lives and identity with us on this one day. Any further interaction or engagement requires their explicit consent. This is a respectful, curious and compassionate coming together of people. 

3. This is not a sharing circle or peer event. There will be no Q&A with the audience. However, if you have questions, feel free to send them in via email to contact@agatsufoundation.org

4. Anyone who comes to a meeting is free to use information from the discussion, but is not allowed to reveal who made any particular comment.