“A World
Within” is
a collection of short stories and articles penned now and then over the past
few years. As a child afflicted with Autism, my parents and teachers emphasized
the importance of Journal-writing. It was introduced as a method of dealing
with some of my difficult behaviours including my oral communication
challenges. I did it quite consistently during my growing years and it helped
me “take stock of” my world and daily experiences. My parents must have seen
something in my writing, so as I grew older and reached High School, they
encouraged me to take up writing short pieces occasionally to express my World
Within to the outside world.
Now I can
boast a bit about myself that despite having Autism and challenge with oral
communication, I can express myself with the pen. This is my maiden experience
of self-publishing, and I give credit here to my parents for editing and
proof-reading my manuscript and giving it the shape of the present book. The
flower which you find on every page symbolizes and celebrates the bond between
me at the centre with my parents, brother Abhay and grandma (late) Smt Usha
Rani Trehan enveloping me from all sides.
Beyond the
book, growing up with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a path fraught with
many trials and tribulations. I salute my parents who have thought and felt
with me and for me throughout this journey. My younger brother Abhay, my best
friend Sanat, my grandfather (Nanaji), my late grandmothers (paternal and
maternal) and the teachers and support staff at school and college were all
among the extra-ordinary people instrumental in creating the experiences that
were the genesis of my World Within. Most of the stories that you are going to
read in this collection emanated from authentic experiences with and through
them that I have had over the years. But sometimes I liked to add some
imagination too (especially when dealing with animals) to add an element of fun
and awe.
To my
reader friends who are on the autism spectrum, I would say try to enjoy the
different situations and emotions portrayed in each piece. I would feel
satisfied if, besides entertaining you, this work gives you a “can-do”
attitude, inspiration and faith that together we can create a beautiful “World
Within and Without”. To my able reader friends who are not on the spectrum, I
would request to be kind as some of the pieces might seem very naïve and
rudimentary. I had a discussion with my parents regarding including the pieces
that were very short or written when I was relatively young. But we decided in
favour of including them all as they are all aspects of me, they said. I would
find my endeavour fruitful if reading these pieces brings a smile on your
beautiful face and perhaps inspires you to light up a ray of hope for someone
who feels disadvantaged.
Kanha
Sanjay Trehan