Extraordinary You - Silvia Buniardi

Autism Awareness Month 💙

When I launched my book Extraordinary You in 2019, my son who was diagnosed with Ataxia Cerebral Palsy, ASD and ADHD, had just started his first year in Singapore Polytechnic. Along the way, I have been receiving emails asking how he was doing.

Seth has now graduated from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) in 2022 and currently, he is in his 2nd year in SIT (Singapore Institute of Technology), pursuing a 4-year course in Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Information and Communication Technology majoring in Information Security.

Seth has had his up and down moments in Singapore Polytechnic. He was able to cope with his studies quite well as most of his lecturers were supportive and accomodative. Besides his physical limitations, his biggest challenge was social interaction. But, he was blessed that he had two good classmates who were there for him. During his 3 year course, the two classmates accepted him for who he is and become his friends. I am glad that they still keep in touch.

In SIT, the modules are definitely getting more difficult every year. Social interaction and groupwork are more complicated and challenging as his coursemates are reluctant to partner with him. He can get quite lonely at times as he does not have good mates to interact with. However, I am thankful that all his lecturers are understanding, helpful and supportive. Together with the SIT Counsellor and Learning Behaviour Support, we are all working together to help Seth maximise his potential.

When you see Seth as a person instead of his diagnosis, you will see a person who is resilient, hardworking, kind, honest, funny and helpful. I hope he will be able to cope with this new journey and be happy.

Take one day at a time and just do your best son! Your father and I are proud of you for what you do and what you are! Always! 💜

You can get my book, 'Extraordinary You' at The Art Faculty, Enabling Village or you can DM me or email me at [email protected]

Today's sharing.

I often hear from parents of children with special needs who are worried about letting their children to move on to new learning environment or situation. Yes, we hear stories of negative experiences but there are many successful ones, too. So, be inspired by the positive ones and give your children the opportunities that they deserve. If it does not work out the first time, do not be disheartened. There will always be a plan B.

Interaction goes both ways!

When you meet one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism

Autism can impact an individual, but it does not define him or her. When you get to know someone with autism, you will see someone who is kind, helpful, funny, observant, resilient and so on.

People with autism also show affection in their own way. My son who has CP and ASD gives me 20 seconds hugs, kiss on the cheek and a lovely sentence, " I love you mummy!"
My students (verbal and non-verbal) give me hugs, hold my hands, stroke my arm, shake my hand, call out my name loudly, smile at me or give me compliments such as, "nice haircut!". I feel so loved. They make me a better person each day.

Autism Awareness Day is not only in the month of April, but it's every day, so go and say hello when you meet someone with autism. You will see and feel what I experience each day. It's awesome!