• By Shilpa Rao
• June 04,2020
• Autism Learning Hub Blog

STORY OF A PEDIATRICIAN WHO OPTED TO BECOME AUTISM CONSULTANT BECAUSE OF HER SON

“IF YOU WANT THE RAINBOW, YOU GOTTA PUT UP WITH THE RAIN”- SAYS Dr SHILPA RAO, PEADIATRICIAN AND MOTHER PROFESSIONAL

This is the story of a doctor who fell in love with challenges. Shilpa Rao is a certified educator and the mom of a special child. Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other determined women who have her back. We bring to you the motivational life story of a momma bear who decided to devote her life for the betterment of children with special needs.

CAN A DOCTOR TEACH?

“Autism is my passion and my son is an outstanding example I have set. Troubled marriage, failed relationships, social stigma of divorce, raising a special child and rejections undermined me as a young single mother. All I have to say is if you don’t like the road you are walking, start paving another one” began Shilpa with a warm smile.

Born to a family of doctors, Shilpa Rao is a practicing Pediatrician and Autism specialist since 19 years. This independent single mother is also involved in teaching and training parents of children with autism as lecturer, coordinator and content developer at SSK and KPAMRC since last 13 years.

“I am a special mom because I work round the clock without any complaints to keep myself, my son and the world around me happy” adds Shilpa.

Being raised by a strong woman, she proves her strength by mothering her son with utmost care.

MOTHERHOOD = UNSELFISHNESS

In Shilpa’s view the purpose of our life is to be happy and love ourselves first, because only then we can love others passionately. She adds in that the most magical day of her life was the day she became a mother. From her experiences, Shilpa realized fear is not an option in life’s battlefield and decided to fight back against all the hurdles.

“When you become a mother, you are no longer the centre of your universe, and you relinquish that position to your children. I have curbed my desires to fulfil the needs of my son, my family and every child I work with” smiles Shilpa.

Shilpa sets a model for all. With her unflinching confidence, courage and never give up attitude she becomes a special mom.

“MIND - YOUR STRONGEST WEAPON AND WORST ENEMY” says Shilpa

She shares a lifesaving hack to become happy all day.

“Stop expecting and start accepting the way life is and the way it is not!”

Life is a saga of evolution. The one thing you have to remember is to hold the vision and trust the process like this smart mommy. Shilpa opines that the two powerful warriors of life are patience and time.

“What you have done is nothing compared to what you can do! There are no limitations on what is possible. Just train your mind, work hard, stay positive and make it happen” chuckles Shilpa.

MOM’S LIFE- SHILPA'S EXPERIENCE

“I must say my son gave birth to me. He is the most wonderful thing that happened to me and I run short of words to describe the troublesome and now joyous journey of our 19 long years together. I went through hell in my early years while understanding and accepting autism, but today we have redefined the definition of autisim for ourselves and the world. My son is presently pursuing 12th grade exams and aspires to do big things in life for himself and me.

Earlier I used to walk into a roomful of people and wonder if they liked me? Now, I look around and wonder if I like them? All great achievements require time and acceptance and my son is the byproduct of the same. My boy is amazing and unique in his own ways” says Shilpa.

BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU ARE HALF WAY THERE- Shilpa’s success mantra

Life taught Shilpa to see opportunities instead of obstacles. Her son could succeed in life because he was included, accepted, supported and loved for what he is and what he is not. Shilpa declares that the greatest gift you can give another person is to simply include them.

“Be it school, social gatherings, trekking, camps and independent living, train your child expertly in the way he wants to learn” adds Shilpa.

SHOW SOME LOVE EVERY DAY!

“The best way to get your child listen to you is by developing a meaningful relationship with them. Keep negative people, judgments and anger out of your door and start embracing your child’s imperfections. My boy is very sure that he has his mommy to cheer him up all day” declares Shilpa.

Shilpa urges all the mothers to show their children love, tenderness, gentleness, patience and respect. “Be their guardian angel and don’t spend your whole time trying to correct them. Remember mistakes are fine and everyone does that” reveals Shilpa.

SHILPA WINDS UP HER TALK BY SHARING THE INSPIRING OATH SHE REMINDS HER SON EVERY DAY.

Isn’t she an inspiration? No matter what happens in life, with the right attitude we can make it simple and easy. For Shilpa, the best revenge is massive success.

It is time to clear your mind of ‘Cannot’. She motivates us to gain by giving love to others .

Remember, the ultimate use of power is to empower others.

Be like Shilpa. Be the change.