On December 3, 2021, in observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, I had the privilege of defending my Ph.D. thesis titled "Understanding the Journey of Mothers of Children with Autism in India." During the defense, I provided an overview of the thesis from start to end. I did face a moment of technical difficulty when the presentation got stuck, which felt like the longest minute of my life. However, I was fortunate to have an incredibly patient and understanding academic committee who waited for me to resolve the issue and continue. This experience highlighted the importance of the kind of support that sometimes we all need – being there, not necessarily offering advice or consolation unless asked, allowing room for mistakes and fumbling, and helping to find our own way out. It's about offering a helping hand when everything feels like it might fall apart, at our own pace and in our own space. I am immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received from Vrije University Amsterdam's Athena Institute, which connects science and society for a better tomorrow. If you're interested in watching the full defense, you can find it in the link provided below: [Watch the full DEFENSE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0KOpZKTB88)
