Strength and Strategy: Arti Bhatia's Journey with Autism

David talks with Arti Bhatia, a technology leader and passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Arti shares her inspiring journey of parenting her 20-year-old non-speaking autistic son, Sam. From navigating early challenges after moving from India to the U.S., to discovering life-changing communication tools at the age of 17, Arti emphasizes the importance of presuming competence and fighting for inclusive education. Artie also recounts their incredible six-week travel adventure in India, shedding light on the diverse aspects of autism awareness and acceptance across cultures. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable tips for parents, insights into leveraging community resources, and heartfelt confessions about the lessons learned along the way.

Topics

00:50 Meet Arti Bhatia: Advocate and Mother

02:28 Early Challenges and Diagnosis

08:14 Discovering RPM and New Communication Methods

15:44 Navigating Education and Resources

22:31 Community Support and Resources

30:03 Reflecting on a Meaningful Experience

30:50 Arti's Trip to India

32:39 Navigating Challenges and Cultural Differences

37:52 Travel Tips for Parents

41:18 Weekly Segments: Autism Tip of the Week

46:31 Weekly Segments: Autism Fact or Fiction

52:18 Weekly Segments: Parent Confessions

55:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts