Shoneez Ganie had a difficult pregnancy. Her son, Yazdaan Ally, was born prematurely and doctors didn’t give him long to live. But Ally survived. At the age of six, he was diagnosed with autism. Not understanding the neurobehavioral condition, his mother struggled at first. “Differently-abled children often get labelled as not normal,” Ganie says. After extensive research, she learnt how to stand alongside Ally as he creatively conquers life.
Children with autism may experience a range of challenges. In Ally’s case, he battles with writing, speaking, and muscle coordination. “There are days where we are mentally, physically, and emotionally drained,” Ganie says. “But I never gave up on him and I will not give up on him.” With his mother’s encouragement, Ally uses art as a form of release and expression. “Drawing gives me inspiration,” he says. “It makes me feel happy when I have a bad day.” Ally’s colourful pictures depict sunny days, soccer games, and even include an impressive portrayal of Bigfoot.
These illustrations allow Ally’s mother to understand his world. Together with the right knowledge and tools, she’s helping him excel. “It’s very important that parents educate themselves on their children’s condition,” Ganie says. With faith, determination, and unconditional love, they’re demonstrating that the idea of normal is only relative.
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