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.
Sairam Soundararajan with NY State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities
“I have mild autism and ADHD. I am South Indian American from Gaithersburg, Maryland. My family comes from a Tamil and 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.”
“As a person on the spectrum, I have worked really hard in college. I have always had serious goals of working in IT. In 2023, I graduated from UMGC with a B.S. in Computer Science. Since then, I have earned three technical certifications and obtained four technical internship experiences. These experiences really shaped me in my career path and solidified my ability to be both willing and quick to learn. My dream job is to become a web developer. My inner drive of working in IT comes from my late mother who also used to work in IT. Aside from that, I am also very passionate about music. I sing and compose various genres from pop, electronic, R&B, and new age classical. Coming from a musical family, I have always been interested and fascinated by different sounds in genres of music, which makes my musical tastes more eclectic. Learning about my own personal strengths and challenges is always an ongoing process for me. But overtime, being able to accept them has helped me understand what steps I should take next. Self-reflection and guidance from my natural supports have reinforced me to continuously improve myself and grow in many ways. It hasn’t stopped me from wanting to achieve my goals. No matter what I go through, my inner drive is what motivates me to keep trying”
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.
Congratulations on your bachelor’s degree. I have a bachelors degree too but am finding the social interaction at work place to be very draining. Wish you success.
Thank you Alisha! I totally understand
Thanks for highlighting this sterling young man and his touching story of growth and perseverance.