Being an immigrant in the United States is a unique experience of navigating two worlds/cultures. I personally take great pride in being a second-generation Indian American. I’ve always loved the food, media, warmth, and hospitality. However, it hasn’t always been easy. My experience of being neurodivergent in this community was even more challenging as I sought to be embraced and accepted by people of both countries. There was a student that I got to work with in my career who offered permission for me to interview him about his story and share it for this article. His story touched my heart so I’m sure it will impact many others. His name is Sairam Soundararajan.
“I have mild autism and ADHD. I am South Indian American born in Rockville, Maryland. My family comes from a Tamil Brahmin Hindu background. I was raised by my eldest sister since 12 years-old after a car accident that killed my parents and two other sisters while visiting India. This is something that is not easy for others to relate to. But despite that, my life continued because my sister always made sure everything was taken care of for me. She also pushed me to learn and become more independent and disciplined academic student in my life. I suffered TBI after the accident. My late father used to be a trained traditional South Indian classical music singer. I pursue this art form along with other members of the general Indian community in the DC Metropolitan area.”
“Being introverted is something that has always been a part of me. I would say being in my thoughts and lacking the situational awareness is something that has been very difficult for me. Communication can also be a struggle, especially when I am not taking the time to get my thoughts together. I usually don’t do well with being put on the spot, that is something that I hate, especially when I don’t anticipate. When I am set on a plan, it is a challenge for me to adjust to last minute changes. I usually get anxious over last minute changes. In terms of learning, sometimes I am a fast learner, many times, if it is a multi-step process, it takes me time to learn, understand, and therefore, retain a skill. I might be missing a few other important details, but this is what I can think of immediately. Learning about my challenges and being able to accept them has helped me understand what I must do to address them. It is helping make more of an effort to improve myself.”
Sairam completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and he has received multiple certifications in computer programing. Sairam’s story represents many core values of the Indian community such as family, discipline, resilience, and hard work. He had to work extra hard to overcome the barriers that exist in our society for those that learn and communicate differently. He was doing all of this while navigating two cultures. Sairam’s is just one story and experience of being an Autistic Indian American. One story does not represent the entire community. May more stories of Autistic Indian Americans continued to be shared.
Priya Winston, PhD, LMSW, is Director of Curriculum and Clinical Supports at the Transitions Program of the Arc Lexington.
