When a ray of hope is all that can keep one going, we need people like Nivedita Sengupta to come forward and show us that that ray is within us. She and other parents of children who are wired differently from others know what a struggle it is to ensure that their children can fend for themselves socially, emotionally and academically. What makes Nivedita different is that she vowed to celebrate every little bit of success on the way, and not let hurdles stop her.
Her extraordinary journey with Medha, her daughter who was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, has been an inspiration for everyone who knows her. All her ups and downs, her accomplishments, her challenging the system are now compiled in her book ‘Above and Beyond – A journey with my daughter’. The book was released on Saturday 10 September 2022 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
Dr Amit Sen, Director, Senior Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist; Dr Shelja Sen, Child & Adolescent Psychologist & Family Therapist and Author; and Ms Manika Sharma, Director of The Shri Ram Schools released the book amidst a gathering of friends, family and well-wishers.
Medha’s assertion that autism doesn’t bother her or stop her from learning had the audience applauding loudly. She is currently working as an Assistant Librarian at Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram, and has very positive reviews from colleagues and employers alike. Her family has always been her strongest support. Her brother Raajit’s love for her shone through when he interviewed her at the event. The pride on the face of Tilak Sengupta, her father, is hard to duplicate.
This book is a must-read for all parents, educators, and caregivers of neurotypical and of neurodiverse children. It is a story of grit and grace. It is a flashlight for those who are yet unable to see any hope ahead. I would call it a survival guide for an uncharted terrain. It is also recommended reading for persons who are not directly associated with neurodiversity, as this is book is a call for inclusion an acceptance.