Actress Sonam's Heartfelt Reflection on Her Journey with Her Autistic Son
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Synopsis
Actress Sonam shares her emotional journey of acceptance as a mother to her autistic son Gaurav. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes the uniqueness of every autistic individual and the importance of advocacy for neurodiversity.
Key Takeaways
- Acceptance of autism is crucial for families.
- The uniqueness of each autistic individual is like fingerprints.
- Empathy and understanding in society are essential.
- Advocacy for neurodiversity can lead to positive change.
- Support systems are vital for caregivers.
Mumbai, April 2 (NationPress) Actress Sonam, known for her roles in ‘Tridev’ and ‘Vishwatma’, is sharing her emotional journey and the path to acceptance she has traveled.
On Wednesday, she posted a series of images alongside her son Gaurav Rai on Instagram. The collection includes both nostalgic and recent photos. In her heartfelt caption, she expressed how she has learned to accept her son’s autism.
She stated, “Every autistic individual is unique, much like fingerprints. As a young mother at just 20 years old, I grew up alongside my autistic son. Back in the 90s, the awareness around autism was virtually nonexistent. Many people didn’t even know how to spell it, and those who did often viewed it as a stigma. I faced a lack of understanding, empathy, and integration, and I often heard remarks like, ‘Isko koi problem hain kya?’ (What is wrong with him?) and ‘Isko mental problems hain kya?’ (Does he have mental problems?). At birthday parties, we were often overlooked; if we were noticed, it was usually with snickers. I don’t hold any bitterness—many simply didn’t know better, and some still don’t, which is understandable.”
Sonam shared that after attending social gatherings, she often broke down in tears alone in the bathroom, once her son was asleep. She described this as an incredibly challenging journey, often finding solace in holding her son close as they slept.
“One night, while my son lay asleep, I felt an overwhelming surge of strength. That night, I resolved to learn crucial lessons for both him and myself, which I willingly embraced. It hasn’t been easy; sometimes I’ve smiled through the struggle, but I’ve remained determined. When I set my mind to something for a good cause, I can be quite persistent,” she explained.
She added, “It was all about my son. I’ve never liked sympathy, and I don’t even seek empathy anymore. I want to express my gratitude to @rajiv_rai_, who has been a wonderful father to this day. He has spared no expense in our son’s education. If my story can assist even one family, one mother, or one father, I would consider that a success! So here are my thoughts for all caregivers of children or adults with autism: Today, my son, now 32, is a kind, loving, and caring person.”
“There’s so much more I could share and learn, but for now, autism for me stands for A - Acceptance, U - Unconditional Love, T - Trusting the Process, I - Introspection, S - Slow & Steady Support, M - Motivation. Be relentless and advocate for neurodiversity. You can do it! You shall do it,” she concluded.
Sonam was married to producer-director Rajiv Rai, with whom she collaborated on ‘Tridev’ and ‘Vishwatma’. They have a son, Gaurav Rai, who was diagnosed with autism early on. In 1997, after a failed assassination attempt believed to be orchestrated by the Mumbai underworld leader Abu Salem, the couple relocated to the UK.
Initially, they lived in Los Angeles before settling in Europe. However, their marriage unraveled, leading to their official divorce in 2016 after 25 years together.
