DR RADICA MAHASE
One of the biggest joys in life is to see children growing up to be responsible, caring and committed adults. One such young man celebrated his 17th birthday (almost an adult!) a couple of days ago. He celebrated with his twin sister! This week I am very happy to share an article written by him – here is Kha-Vi’s story:
“Hello, my name is Kha-Vi Ramoutar. I am 17 years old, and I have a twin sister named Valeshka Ramoutar, or Vallie for short, who is autistic. I am currently a student at Hillview College, I am in Lower 6. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my personal perspective as a sibling with a person who has autism, as it has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Growing up with Vallie, I have learnt the importance of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Being the sibling of someone with special needs has taught me to embrace differences and see the world from a unique perspective. Although communication and socialisation can be a challenge, Vallie has a contagious smile with the phrase, happy smile, along with some funny idiosyncrasies that never fail to brighten up my day. We share a special bond that is indescribable, one with an unbreakable bond.
Having a sister with special needs, I have been blessed with a unique perspective on life. I have learned to be more patient and compassionate towards others, as well as to see the beauty in everyone's unique differences. Vallie sometimes requires more time to process information or communicate her thoughts and feelings. This can be frustrating at times, especially when I am in a rush, but I have learned to be patient and give her the time and space she needs. My sister Vallie has taught me that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is our job to embrace and celebrate them.
[caption id="attachment_1006489" align="alignnone" width="768"] Valeshka, who is mainly non-verbal, is a talented artist and has a keen sense of humour.- Courtesy - Kha-Vi Ramoutar[/caption]
In addition to teaching me valuable life lessons, my experience with my sister has also presented me with some unique challenges. For example, I have learned how to communicate with Vallie in a way that she understands, which sometimes means using non-verbal cues or using simpler language. I have also learned, and still learning, how to be patient and understanding when Vallie becomes overwhelmed or upset, which can sometimes be difficult.
Despite these challenges, being a sibling with an individual on the autism spectrum has also brought me immense joy and happiness. Vallie has a unique perspective on the world, and I am constantly amazed by her creativity and intelligence as she has a deep appreciation for art and craft. She has taught me to appreciate the simple things in life, and to find joy in the little moments.
Currently, Vallie is being home-schooled, and it has been a great opportunity for her to learn at her own pace and in an environment that is comfortable for her. Our mother, Khadine Ramoutar, and step-dad, Sheld
