And that’s when life hit me with a plot twist.

When I wrote for academia, I was told my work sounded like an opinion piece- not "evidence-based." Never mind that the evidence was my life and the lives of countless others I know firsthand. So, I wrote to make lived experience evidence enough. And I did. (Cue dramatic victory music.)

But now that I write just to share experiences, guess what? I’m told it sounds too academic. (Facepalm!). What on earth, I thought. Is there a secret formula I missed?

Big shoutout to Smitha Murthy and the MyndStories team for their patience, kindness, and ability to deal with my existential writing crises. And to all the families who shared their journeys , you know who you are. I’ve changed your names for confidentiality, but trust me, I see you.

At the end of the day, unless we keep writing and keep speaking—maybe nothing changes.So here’s to change. Here’s to making the pen (err… keyboard) mightier than the sword.

Read here: What It Means to Raise a Neurodivergent Child in India