In a world where support and understanding are paramount for children with invisible disabilities like learning disabilities and ADHD, she is committed to doing her part. As a solopreneur and mother of two teenagers with invisible disabilities, she has seen firsthand the challenges that these children and their families face.
Invisible disabilities are conditions or impairments that are not immediately evident or visible to others. These disabilities can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, yet they may not be readily apparent to others. Living with an invisible disability can present unique challenges to individuals, especially children. They may face skepticism, judgment, or a lack of understanding from others who do not recognize or acknowledge their condition. The absence of visible cues can lead to misconceptions or stigmatization, making it harder for children with invisible disabilities to receive appropriate support and accommodations.
As a mother, she experienced all of these difficulties firsthand. The first was personal and was related to not knowing what my children are going through. Understanding the world through their eyes, adapting my expectations to their realities, and getting an understanding through credible sources of information was difficult. More so since all information sources were not contextual to India.
Then came the other obstacles like seeking proper diagnosis and support. Long waitlists in government institutions and the commercialization of private options posed significant constraints. The societal challenges were also significant, explaining to family, friends, etc., and getting them to adapt to some extent to support her children. There is such a huge lack of awareness that it is very difficult to make people understand and empathize.
Last but one of the biggest were the institutional challenges, from school admissions, assessments, sensitisation of teachers, students and parents etc. Additionally, the lack of awareness and special educators in schools, despite legal mandates, compounded the challenges. These experiences fueled my determination to leverage my knowledge and experiences to support others on similar journeys.
She has come to recognize the prevalence of myths, preconceived notions, and a lack of understanding surrounding invisible disabilities like learning disabilities and ADHD within our society. Hence, drawing from her own firsthand experiences and tons of research, she thought of building LDExplained, to ensure that other parents didn't have to face the same struggles.
She acknowledges that an entrepreneur's life is inherently demanding. However, being a mother to children with invisible disabilities adds an extra layer of complexity. Juggling both roles presents a unique set of challenges, but the satisfaction of working for a social cause makes it all worthwhile. The most rewarding aspect of this journey is receiving feedback from parents on how she has been able to support them. Their words of appreciation and the positive impact she can make in their lives are what she considers to be true success.
She firmly believes that if you have faith in your idea and have thoroughly validated it against the needs of your customers, you must persevere and strive for success. Throughout this journey, self-belief becomes crucial as it serves as a driving force. She has also recognized the value of hard work and she has never shied away from putting in the necessary work.
She wishes to make LDExplained into a platform that equips parents with essential information, connects them with professionals and resources, provides services, products, and a strong network for parents and educators. She wants it to serve as a one-stop destination, addressing the lack of awareness and dispelling the myths surrounding learning disabilities and ADHD.
Her personal journey as a solopreneur and advocate for children with learning disabilities and ADHD is deeply grounded in a fundamental belief in the transformative power of compassion, resilience, and the capacity of individuals to create positive change in the lives of others. LDExplained serves as a tangible manifestation of these guiding principles. As LDExplained continues to expand and develop, it holds the promise of being an invaluable source of support for families navigating the complexities of raising children with invisible disabilities.
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