Autobiography of an Autism Entrereneur

As the title suggests, the autobiographical writing by Chari details out her experiences in the field of educating children with autism, and her initiative of setting up her own institute. The anecdotal account begins with her childhood experiences and reminisces about what she considers are significant events that have shaped her journey into the world of special education. A double masters in education, and special education, Chari has found her passion in educating children with autism and working towards training parents, teachers, and caregivers in engaging with children. 

Besides her tryst with autism, a parallel thread that runs throughout the book is her engagement with the spiritual world. She believes in recognising signs that indicate her engagement with people (and animals) in the world beyond. The spirit world seems to be giving her direction and facilitating her living a more fulfilling life, and even helping her to find her calling in working for children with special needs.

At first glance, this would seem disconnected and somewhat contradictory: being trained extensively in education and yet leaving much to destiny, the realm of the ‘unscientific’. Yet, at another level, it seems just another way of looking at the world, in interpreting savant characteristics of children with autism, in trying to find meaning in engaging with children who are born with neurological disorders that are beyond human control. The spiritual world provides some answers to such unanswered question. It is up to each one to choose to believe or to choose to reject.

This book was given to me for a review which has been done for an academic journal. It was a complete surprise from what I thought the book will offer to me! The introduction to the book reads : “What if you picked up this book because ‘The Law of Attraction’ brought it for you?” Elsewhere, Chari says that she did not choose her profession, her profession chose her. I did not choose this book, it happened to me, it chose me. I am sure there is some meaning in it which I haven’t fully comprehended… yet.