BAVINA SOOKDEO
Sydney Mahabir, a vibrant 15-year-old with a flair for creativity, is not your ordinary teenager. Born with a unique perspective on the world, her journey as an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a testament to resilience, passion, and boundless creativity. Through her T-shirt line, Mahabir is not only challenging misconceptions about autism but also spreading messages of kindness, acceptance, and empowerment.
Reflecting on Sydney's early years, her mother, Venessa Benjamin-Mahabir, recalled noticing developmental differences as early as one to two years old.
“Sydney was not reaching her developmental milestones. She was not saying words and mostly babbling. She would mostly point to things she wanted.
"Another thing I noticed early was she would cover her ears at loud noises, even household equipment like blenders, food processors and tools. The noise was too much for her and she had strong food aversions.
"I later realised that various textures and tastes were very challenging for her, and it still is, she has a very limited diet. Thankfully, since last year she has tried a few other foods and have added them to her diet so her progress with food is slowly but surely progressing and I’m sure other autism parents would see that as a victory...because we surely do.”
Mahabir was diagnosed with ASD at the age of four by a developmental paediatrician.
Benjamin-Mahabir admitted she felt perplexed at Mahabir’s diagnosis.
[caption id="attachment_1076959" align="alignnone" width="738"] Sydney Mahabir, who has autism, has a special talent for art and craft. Photo courtesy Vanessa Benjamin-Mahabir -[/caption]
“I did not know anything about autism and of course, I started to research about it. And then, I have to admit, I felt sad not for me but for my child.
"Initially, I did not know how to navigate these changes how to help her and understand her since autism affects social communication and interaction.
"I must say my faith in God helped me get through those challenging times. God has given me and my family the strength to overcome, and although at times it is very difficult, we hold strong to our faith.”
At the age of five, Mahabir started talking more and using sentences. She then attended a private preschool and at the age of six, she started at a school for children with autism for a couple of years. Mahabir had difficulties with traditional learning.
“She always had problems learning to read,” her mother said. “She cannot remember letters or numbers, but can write by copying. She has only recently learnt to write her first name by memory, and has started signing it on her drawings.”
As Mahabir grew older, her talent for drawing began to shine through. She also discovered she loved fashion design.
“Sydney has a unique skill in drawing and creating art through fashion,” Benjamin-Mahabir proudly said.
“At around age nine I noticed Sydney making doll clothes with her art and crafts materials and even household materials. She would use paper towels, cotton b
