Aravind is a mischievous youngster, ambles along life with a slow fluid rolling gait,his mind filled with words that flow out in the form of beautiful poetry.He is non verbal and communicates through a spell chart.HE also uses signs He is at present preparing himself to appear for his NIOS exams and complete his tenth grade.Higly linguistically intelligent,his comments and take on life that comes out through his poems,are extremely thought provoking and very revealing of his condition and how he copes with it.
Aravind is 15 years old and a student at Vidya Sagar Chennai

Aravind,a mischievous youngster, ambles along life with a slow fluid rolling gait,his mind filled with words that flow out in the form of beautiful poetry.He is non verbal and communicates using a spell chart.He is at present preparing himself to give his NIOS exams and complete his tenth grade.Higly linguistically intelligent,his comments and take on life that comes out through his poems,are extremely thought provoking and very revealing of his condition and how he copes with it.

Swaminathan
Right from childhood he has been illustrating people and things around him in a unique style that is very “Swami”. As his illustation of 3 of the zodiac signs (taurus,libra and scorpio) show
He used to communicate his emotions with illustrations! He expressed mathematical qunatities through series and numbers of different shapes .!
He never used an eraser while drawing, often not removing pencil from paper till the drawing was completed He stored pictures in his mind and recreated them to the minutest detail in his unique style once he had seen the picture. Whatever the size of paper ,the drawing fitted correctly and propotionately!
A lover of nature, calm quiet environs are Swamis favorite places ! As a child he found his own answers for the sensory need for deep pressure by squeezing himself into the smallest chairs and walked around for his sensory breaks!
Swaminathan is in his early twenties. He has autism. Self taught , his spatial intelligence stands out in “splendour”. He radiates a peace and calm while he works, particularly when he is sketching.
Ably encouraged by a renowned artist over the past few years ,his art work adorns the walls of big corporates offices today
Swami with professional training now weaves dhurries from his home ,which have received much commendation –it leaves him unaffected and ntouched ..!
The loom addresses his propriocptive need and channelises his spatial intelligence

Swaminathan
Right from childhood he has been illustrating people and things around him in a unique style that is very “Swami”. As his illustation of 3 of the zodiac signs (taurus,libra and scorpio) show
He used to communicate his emotions with illustrations! He expressed mathematical qunatities through series and numbers of different shapes .!
He never used an eraser while drawing, often not removing pencil from paper till the drawing was completed He stored pictures in his mind and recreated them to the minutest detail in his unique style once he had seen the picture. Whatever the size of paper ,the drawing fitted correctly and propotionately!
A lover of nature, calm quiet environs are Swamis favorite places ! As a child he found his own answers for the sensory need for deep pressure by squeezing himself into the smallest chairs and walked around for his sensory breaks!
Swaminathan is in his early twenties. He has autism. Self taught , his spatial intelligence stands out in “splendour”. He radiates a peace and calm while he works, particularly when he is sketching.
Ably encouraged by a renowned artist over the past few years ,his art work adorns the walls of big corporates offices today
Swami with professional training now weaves dhurries from his home ,which have received much commendation –it leaves him unaffected and ntouched ..!
The loom addresses his propriocptive need and channelises his spatial intelligence

Swaminathan
Right from childhood he has been illustrating people and things around him in a unique style that is very “Swami”. As his illustation of 3 of the zodiac signs (taurus,libra and scorpio) show
He used to communicate his emotions with illustrations! He expressed mathematical qunatities through series and numbers of different shapes .!
He never used an eraser while drawing, often not removing pencil from paper till the drawing was completed He stored pictures in his mind and recreated them to the minutest detail in his unique style once he had seen the picture. Whatever the size of paper ,the drawing fitted correctly and propotionately!
A lover of nature, calm quiet environs are Swamis favorite places ! As a child he found his own answers for the sensory need for deep pressure by squeezing himself into the smallest chairs and walked around for his sensory breaks!
Swaminathan is in his early twenties. He has autism. Self taught , his spatial intelligence stands out in “splendour”. He radiates a peace and calm while he works, particularly when he is sketching.
Ably encouraged by a renowned artist over the past few years ,his art work adorns the walls of big corporates offices today
Swami with professional training now weaves dhurries from his home ,which have received much commendation –it leaves him unaffected and ntouched ..!
The loom addresses his propriocptive need and channelises his spatial intelligence

EXPRESSION –GAUTAM PANDA

EXPRESSION 1

Q -CHINNU WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

1. TRUE ACCEPTANCE
2. FREE, JOVIAL ENVIRONMENT
3. NORMAL, CASUAL REACTIONS FROM SOCIETY.

Q -CHIINU WHAT MAKES YOU UPSET?

1. WRONG INTERPRETATION OF MY ACTIVITIES.
2. OVERCROWDING
3. HIGH PITCH

Q -WHAT COMES TO YOU EASILY?

1. VARIOUS TYPICAL IDEAS
2. ANXITIES
3. UNENDING FEAR BASICALLY NON-SPECIFIC

Q -WHAT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO DO?

1. BEHAVE ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTION
2. CONTROL MY MIND, CERTAIN BODY MOVEMENTS DEARLY
3. SITTING IN ONE POSTURE

Q -IF YOU HAD 3 WISHES WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR ?

1. UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTCANCE BY ALL
2. TRUE COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
3. MENTAL CALMNESS.

Gautam Panda (fondly known as Chinu) is 12 years old currently studying in grade7 mainstream school in Orissa. Extremely Fond of his family and close friends ,swimming and the outdoors He is non verbal and communicates on his computer,and sounds and gestures .He is in the outstation project of VIDYA SAGAR Chennai Self taught in English -his written expression says it all He communicates best when specific questions are asked .With a high intrapersonal intelligence which allows great introspection along with a childlike social development he is special-(he uses the word fence** –to describe the distancing that autism creates between him and others) For years now Gautam has corresponded from Odisha with me and his mamma –below are 4 of those rare insights ( in his own words and typing-he chooses to type in upper case !)

EXPRESSION –GAUTAM PANDA

EXPRESSION 2

Mama----I notice , you are showing interest while crossing any Bridge. Will you talk on this?

CHINU----YES, I CERTAINLY FEEL MATURED , NATURALLY CONSCIOUS WHILE GOING OVER A BRIDGE. LOOK, THERE IS RIVER OR CANAL OR ANY DEVIATION UNDER THE BRIDGE, ABOVE THESE OBSTACLES , BRIDGE SMOOTHENS OUT EVERYBODYS PROBLEM LIKE OUR SAVIOR GOD ,OUR SUPREME POWER. ONCE YOU ARE ON THE BRIDGE, OBSTACLES ARE AUTOMATICALLY OVERRULED .IS IT NOT LIKE, ONCE YOU ARE BLESSED WITH GOD’S GRACE , YOU WILL SURELY SOLVE YOUR VARIOUS PROBLEMS, WHATEVER FORM MAY BE. RIGHT MAMA? ONLY THING IS TO APPROACH, AVAIL AND ACCEPT EVERYTHING REASONABLY . MAJOR PROBLEM LIES HERE ONLY. ME, HAVING SUCH A RARE , STUBBORN , YET NOT IMPOSSIBLE TYPE FENCING** SOMETIMES FACING FIRM REJECTION FROM SOCIETY. THE MOMENT I FEEL MY FAMILY MEMBERS, WELWISHERS AS BRIDGE, PROBLEMS ARE FLOWING AWAY LIKE WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE. GREAT IS GOD, HIS SETTING. AM I HONESTLY COMPARING , MY SWEET MAMA?

EXPRESSION –GAUTAM PANDA

EXPRESSION 3

LIFE - GAUTAM PANDA

TRULY A GAME, TIME BOUND, RULE BOUND, EMOTION, SENSITIVITY , PRACTICAL ACTIVITY ORIENTED, FENCED BY TWO ETERNAL TRUTHS , BIRTH, THE START AND DEATH, THE STOP COMMAND, IS THE MOST VITAL BACKGROUND OF THIS LIVING GROUND, CALLED EARTH.

I TAKE LIFE, A GAME, AS IT HAS SO MANY COMMON FEATURES . TO ME, MY MAMA , CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS A PART OF OUR STADIUM , WHERE I LIKE TO PLAY MANY EVENTS. I FEEL THEIR MAJOR ROLES EVERYWHERE, EVERY TIME. THEY TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z. THOUGH THEIR REAL ROLES ARE DIFFERENT BUT ONETHING IS COMMEN TO ALL, THEIR ACCEPTANCE TO ME AND MY DISORDER.

SUCCESS, FAILURE ARE TWO OUTCOMES OF LIFE, RELATED TO TIME , ENVIRONMENT, OCCASION, DOMAIN COMES THEN.THESE ARE ALL RELATED IN PRACTICE. BUT THE ULTIMAE GOAL IS AGAIN FIXED, PEACE, SOLACE OF MIND. THE ENTIRE JOURNEY IS FOR THIS ONLY. BUT PATHS ARE MANY, UNCOUNTABLE. IT IS SPECIFIC FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE. KNOWLEDGE, CONSCIENCE, EXPERIENCE ARE GUIDES FOR THIS GAME. I DON’T HAVE EXPERIENCE, AGAIN I CAN’T EXECUTE WHATEVER LITTLE I HAVE FOR MY UNCOMMON DISORDER SO I AM TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON MY FAMILY , SPECIALLY MY MAMA.

BUT I LOVE TO PLAY GAMES, MY LIFE FULLY. REALLY GREAT, GENUINE, WONDERFUL, EXCITING, CHALLENGING ALSO. AFTER ALL IT IS GAME, IN THE GAME ONLY YOU WILL FEEL THE GOD, ALMIGHTY.

NOW I WILL RELAX, MAMA.

1. From where do these thought come to you ?

CHINU—NOT COMING AUNTY,THOUGHTS ARE IN ME , IN MY MIND . ONLY TALKING IF ASKED OR I AM COMFORTABLE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. IT IS MY INNER FEELING, CERTAINLY LIKE MY UNDERSTANDING FOR MAMA, YOU ALL, MY FAMILY MEMBERS .


2. Do you think before you write or does your writing come without any effort

CHINU—IT IS THE WAY I LIKE, ACCEPT, TRUST YOU ALL. THINKING COMES THEN SMOOTHLY. MORE OVER I THINK IN THIS WAY AS I LIKE TO .


3. who inspires you to write this way?

CHINU—KIND OF VIBRATION,POSITIVE SURELY,GIVES ME SIGNAL TO TALK.TRULY ENVIRONMENT,MY MEMORIES,HELP ME HERE. BUT ONE BARRIER IS ALWAYS TRY TO DRAG ME BACK,MY UNCONTROLLED ANXIETY.OFCOURCE MAMA,YOU ALL ARE WITH ME PHYSICALLY OR IN MIND TO CHECK IT.


4. you have great faith(i do too) from where has it come?

CHINU—FROM YOU ALL AUNTY.I CAN RECALL EVERYTHING IN DETAIL. TRULY THIS FAITH WILL PULL US TO PEACEFUL ,TRAUMA FREE DOMAIN, ATLEAST GENERATE RELAXED,COOL,COMPOSED , COHESIVE BOUNDARY AROUND US.WITHOUT THIS CAN WE STAND AUNTY? YOU KNOW, I HAVE CONSTANT DIFFICULTIES THROUGHOUT MY BODY, IT AFFECTS MY MIND ASWELL. POSITIVE THINKING ONLY IMPROVES MY CONDITION AND MY CLOSE FAMILY SUPPORTS ME HERE FULLY. SO I CAN’T THINK ANYTHING WITHOUT MAMA AND YOU ALL.

NOW I WILL LISTEN MUSIC.

Gautam Panda (fondly known as Chinu) is 12 years old currently studying in grade7 mainstream school in Orissa. Extremely Fond of his family and close friends ,swimming and the outdoors He is non verbal and communicates on his computer,and sounds and gestures .He is in the outstation project of VIDYA SAGAR Chennai Self taught in English -his written expression says it all He communicates best when specific questions are asked .With a high intrapersonal intelligence which allows great introspection along with a childlike social development he is special-(he uses the word fence** –to describe the distancing that autism creates between him and others) For years now Gautam has corresponded from Odisha with me and his mamma –below are 4 of those rare insights ( in his own words and typing-he chooses to type in upper case !)

Drama for Autism : Velvi Trust works for Autism Spectrum Disorder Velvi is a registered trust started in 1989 and has been working in the field of Drama and creative Arts for autism since 2005. The trust is based at Madurai South India but operates throught out the country and in certain other parts of the world. www.velvi.org is the website. Drama for autism conscious and intentional use of Drama and techniques of Drama to address the key challenges of ASD: 1. To improve the eye contact and communication 2. To help in social skills 3. To Identify innate intelligence and help in Employment skills. 4. To manage Emotions like Anger and aggression Methodology: Dr Parasuram Ramamoorthi Chair of the velvi Trust is a Professor of theatre with a Ph.D in Drama and he has specialized in Drama and Mental health. His research led him to work with children and adults in ASD. Based on his research he developed a unique module : Mask for Autism which is being followed in many centres in India and USA, UK, Germany, Latvia and Korea. Mask a theatre tool improves eye contact and nearly 6 out of ten children have gained eye contact in three months time and their communication skills have improved. Mask reduces peripheral vision and hence the child wearing a mask establishes eye contact with teachers and parents. Mask also to some extent reduces hyperactivity as the child’s attention span increases considerably. Following the physical mask the Facial Mask technique was developed to help children gain eye contact. Facial mask is based on Make up technique of Traditional Theatre. Here the parent or teacher applies paste like Cucumber/papaya/yogurt on the face of the child. The technique works effectively when the child starts applying the Dots in the Face of the parent or teacher. This technique has helped more than 8 children out of ten. The attention span of the child has increased from 10 seconds to 180 seconds. Mask also helps the child to imitate and creatively engage in a Play. Masks have been used in story telling and playing and this has helped the children to engage in group play instead of solo play. Role Play: this has been effectively used to improve social skills and Dr. Parasuram Ramamoorthi published a research paper Rehearsed Response which details technique of helping children understand social situations like Birth Day party, Marriage, Funeral, visiting a Temple, going to the airport and several such issues which have remained a problem. Rehearsals and performing roles have been found effective with teens in the spectrum. Participatory Drama: teaches teens and adults to take on roles and act out. Encourages teens and adults to play with others and work with others. Best way to understand emotions like Happiness, Anger and Depression. Every year at the Velvi Festival a play is performed. In 2011 along with the experts from Miracle Project California, a performance Home Alone was performed. In 2013 at NIEPMED Chennai A play Under the Neem Tree was performed. Other than these major performances wherever a workshop is conducted a performance follows. The classic instance is that of Lion’s Birth Day Party at the California State University at Chico in 2012. Performance addresses several sensory issues like : Lights and sensory friendly lights Touch being in a crowd Noise/ sounds Performance includes costumes and getting used to new type of clothes Working with others. Multiple Intelligence and Employability: each adult is tested on the basis of Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence and their Intelligence is identified after sessions of working with them. Then they are directed to work with professionals like Videographers/photographers/ horticulturists/ kennel keepers/ painters and professional modeling coordinators. Art for Autism Festival 2014: Every year Velvi runs an art for autism festival. The last 5 festivals were attended by nearly 30 families and the festival venue provides residence so that families can interact and children can have social skills . They develop new friendships and hangout together during evenings. The next festival will be held on 17,18 and 19 Jan.2014. There will be a pre festival workshop on Holistic assessment. Nearly 30-40 families attend the festival with their children. There would be workshops on Music Therapy; Drama therapy; Art Therapy; Movement therapy by experts in the field. The festival will close with a Performance.For application forms write to Parasuram.ramamoorthi@gmail.com Online course Drama for Autism: To reach out to parents and special needs teachers Velvi has launched an online course Drama for Autism and so far has trained 50 teachers in India and USA. It is a 6 months and 12 module course. The course is designed and written by international experts in the field and the webinars happen 3 times during the course. But students can interact with the course director by fixing appointments. Every year there are three batches of admission and the next batch of the course starts on 1 December and admissions close on 20 November. Course details and workshop photographs are available in www.velvi.org Parasuram Ramamoorthi Chair : velvi www.velvi.org