In the second episode of the “Raising Rainbows” series, Priya Kannan shares her family’s journey with her daughter Latika, highlighting the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating neurodiversity.
“Raising Rainbows” is a celebration of the extraordinary journeys unfolding inside ordinary homes, showcasing stories of resilience, advocacy, acceptance, and unconditional love. Through conversations with parents, caregivers, educators, and change-makers, this series looks beyond diagnoses and labels to explore the courage, wisdom, and joy that emerge when every child is given the freedom to thrive as their authentic self.
In this edition of “Raising Rainbows,” Priya Kannan, a parent advocate and champion for neurodiversity, opens the doors to her family’s journey with her daughter, Latika. She offers an intimate glimpse into a life shaped by love, neurodiversity, resilience, and countless moments of unexpected joy.
For Priya and her family, raising Latika has been more than a parenting journey; it has become a mission to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for children on the autism spectrum. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that when we look beyond labels, we discover not limitations, but new ways of understanding, connecting, and celebrating what makes each child uniquely extraordinary.
In a conversation with Ancy James, Priya reflects on her experiences and insights as a parent of a child with autism.
When asked about the first things that come to mind when she thinks of Latika, Priya describes her daughter as a keen observer, an energetic performer, and a creative, multi-talented young adult. Latika enjoys performing on stage through singing and dancing, and loves traveling with family and friends.
Priya expresses her desire for a shift in the assumptions people often make about autistic individuals. She notes that many misunderstand their behaviors, attributing them to poor parenting or bad behavior. In reality, these behaviors may stem from challenges with communication and social skills, with sensory overload often playing a significant role.
A pivotal moment in Priya’s journey came when she shifted her focus from expectations to acceptance. After attending a personality development course, she created a more accepting environment for Latika, which led to significant progress in her daughter’s development. This experience taught Priya the true power of love, patience, and acceptance.
Latika possesses a variety of strengths that Priya believes deserve more recognition. Her talents in music, dance, graphic design, and video editing highlight her creative abilities.
On an ordinary day, happiness in Priya’s household looks like Latika feeling peaceful, calm, and content. A good day is one where she can sleep soundly at night without anxiety about the past or future.
Reflecting on the moment she first heard Latika’s diagnosis, Priya recalls the fear and heartbreak that accompanied it. The term “autism” initially felt like a heavy burden, but a mentor’s advice helped her reframe her perspective. She learned to focus on supporting and understanding her child rather than worrying about the future.
During particularly overwhelming times, Priya found strength by taking breaks and organizing herself. Engaging in activities like solving math problems, listening to music, and participating in inclusive playgroups helped her recharge and connect with Latika.
Priya emphasizes the importance of support from extended family and community members during the developmental journey. She believes that schools and educational institutions play a vital role in accepting and supporting autistic children, and that greater public awareness is essential for fostering inclusion.
Parenting Latika has transformed Priya and her family into confident advocates. They have created autism awareness materials and founded a non-profit organization, Wiztara for Autism, to promote awareness and empower parents through workshops. Their long-term vision is to build an inclusive society that provides equal opportunities for individuals with autism.
Priya highlights the invisible sacrifices families like hers often make, such as missing social gatherings and the financial burden of supporting a child with autism. She notes that many parents sacrifice career opportunities to focus on their child’s needs, which can create additional strain on family dynamics.
One of the biggest challenges Priya faces is navigating an education system that often fails to accommodate the strengths of children on the autism spectrum. This has led some parents to choose homeschooling, which requires significant time and commitment.
Priya also discusses the emotional challenges of managing Latika’s anxiety and sensory overload in public spaces. While they understand these behaviors as parents, handling them in public can be emotionally taxing.
Balancing her responsibilities while caring for Latika and maintaining her own well-being is a constant challenge for Priya. She attends personality development courses and engages in physical activity to stay grounded and positive.
Latika flourishes when engaged in creative and hands-on activities. She enjoys expressing herself through singing, drama, dance, and multimedia design. Traveling and staying physically active also contribute to her overall happiness and fulfillment.
While awareness of autism is growing, Priya notes that challenges remain in achieving true inclusion in schools and community spaces. Many still struggle to accept autistic individuals, often judging them based on behaviors rather than understanding their unique needs.
If Priya could redesign one aspect of public life to better support neurodiverse individuals, she would advocate for priority access in crowded places and calming sensory rooms to reduce anxiety. She believes that greater public awareness and respite care services are essential for supporting families.
Priya calls for stronger implementation of the Right to Education for autistic children and advocates for more empathetic housing communities and insurance policies that cover therapy costs. She emphasizes the need for trained professionals in schools to support autistic students effectively.
True inclusion, according to Priya, means equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for autistic individuals. It requires acceptance, respect, and meaningful participation in society.
For policymakers, educators, and community leaders, Priya urges a deeper understanding of autism and the need for flexible systems that recognize individual abilities. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and embracing diversity as a strength.
Priya’s hopes for Latika’s future are simple yet profound. She dreams of her daughter living independently, pursuing her interests, and building a meaningful life. Most importantly, she wishes for Latika to have the freedom to create her own path.
To parents just beginning their journey, Priya offers encouragement: every child is unique, and the journey may vary for each family. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, support, and believing in their child’s potential.
Priya wishes people would stop assuming that autistic individuals are incapable of learning or achieving their dreams. She believes that every child deserves to be seen for who they truly are, beyond their diagnosis.
Ultimately, Priya envisions a world rooted in acceptance and understanding, where individuals are not judged by labels. Through advocacy and education, she hopes to create a future filled with possibilities for children and families living with autism.
According to Ancy James, the creator of the “Raising Rainbows” series, these intimate conversations aim to foster awareness and inclusion, helping families feel seen and celebrated.