Success story of Jinu Susan and her Daughter Angel

Success story of Jinu Susan and her Daughter Angel

My name is Jinu Susan Mathew, and my journey as a mother and advocate for children with special needs has profoundly shaped my life. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Project Management. Initially, I envisioned a career where I could thrive in the world of design and construction. However, my path took a significant turn when I realized that my daughter, Angel, required continuous therapy and individualized support for her education.

Recognizing Angel’s needs became my priority. To equip myself better, I undertook various training programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavior support. Additionally, I completed online courses in special education and autism awareness. These educational experiences were crucial in enabling me to understand and support Angel more effectively as she navigated her challenges.

Angel’s Story

At first, we believed that Angel was simply experiencing a speech delay. Up until around 1 year and 8 months, she responded to us when we spoke to her, and her social smile was a comforting presence. However, we began to notice concerning changes; her social smile faded, and she stopped responding to us as she once had. Initially, we sought speech therapy, hoping it would help her regain her communication skills.

When Angel joined school, her teacher soon suggested that she would benefit from having a shadow teacher. This was the moment we had to confront the reality of her situation. Although doctors noted she exhibited autistic features, they were not definitive in their diagnoses. We pursued various therapies and detailed assessments, trying to understand Angel’s unique needs.

Angel attended an inclusive school until Grade 4, where she initially thrived. However, as time passed, it became increasingly clear that this environment was not meeting her needs. After much deliberation, we made the difficult decision to transition her to online schooling. It was not a decision made lightly, but we believed it was the best course of action considering her circumstances. The online program provided her with academic support, activities, and one-on-one sessions with a special educator.

Despite the shift to online learning, I was determined not to let Angel miss out on the social advantages of a traditional school. I joined a group for special parents that organized meetups and programs. This community provided our children with a platform to express their talents, play games, and foster social interactions.

Recognizing that Angel was also struggling emotionally, I aimed to help her see her unique strengths. I wanted to build her self-esteem and confidence, allowing her to embrace her individuality. To achieve this, I guided her towards activities that interested her. Angel has a passion for music and crafts, so we incorporated these into her daily routine. Not only do these activities bring her joy, but they also help her relax during stressful times.

One of the crafts that captured Angel’s interest was beadwork. She took to it with enthusiasm, completing over 150 mini-scale crafts. These creations included phonestickers and keychains, and they served as a therapeutic outlet for her creativity. Additionally, I had some of her colorful designs printed on T-shirts, and the joy on her face when she wore them was priceless.

Last year, we took on a significant challenge together. I discovered that Angel had a remarkable visual memory, so I decided to teach her about marine life, focusing on her interest in sea animals. This project culminated in an attempt to set an India Book of Records entry for identifying the maximum number of marine creatures. Angel succeeded, identifying 120 different sea animals, and her happiness was contagious as we celebrated this achievement.

Reflecting on the past two years, I feel immense gratitude for how far we have come. Despite the struggles we faced, the effort we invested in Angel’s growth has paid off. Today, she is more confident and content, embracing her unique qualities.

Valuable Life Lessons

Throughout this journey, the most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of never losing hope. Hope is what fuels our resilience and determination. If we give up hope, we risk losing the strength needed to persevere. Patience is essential; progress takes time, but with unwavering support, our children will show improvement.

Autism does not signify the end of possibilities; it simply redirects our paths. We must maintain an open mind, accepting our children as they are while actively seeking out their interests and talents. Our role is to nurture those talents, helping them shine in their unique ways.

Support Systems

I am incredibly grateful for the support systems I have in place. Family and friends have been our anchors through the ups and downs of this journey. Additionally, I have connected with other special parents who understand the challenges we face, providing invaluable emotional support. Parent groups have organized gatherings and activities for our children, fostering a sense of community.

Future Hopes and Dreams

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Angel. I plan to encourage her to explore more craft activities, as it has become a significant interest for her. My dream is for her to participate in craft markets, showcasing her creations and sharing her talent with the world. I also aim to help her create an Instagram page to document and promote her work.

Angel’s passion for music is another avenue we will explore further. I want to provide her with opportunities to express her musical talents, whether through lessons or community performances. My ultimate goal is to nurture her skills, helping her build confidence and self-acceptance despite any differences she may have.

In conclusion, Jinu Susan journey as a mother has been a tapestry of challenges, growth, and joy. By embracing hope, nurturing talents, and building a supportive community, Jinu Susan has dedicated to helping Angel thrive and celebrate her unique self. Together, they will navigate this journey, finding joy in every step they take. At 1SpecialPlace, we aim to empower families like ours through online speech therapy, mental health support, occupational therapy, special education, and nutritional therapy. Our mission is to provide the tools and resources necessary for every child to shine.