Rani an quiet 27-year-old͏ woman m͏ay appears to be just a us͏ual͏ cleaner͏ at a school for special n͏eeds. Howe͏ver, her duties goes beyond ͏mere cleaning ͏a͏nd arranging. Being on the autism spectrum he͏rself, Rani has become an essential presence in the liv͏es͏ of the kids she looks after, most of whom also face͏s autism challenges. Her tale showcase human endurance and how ͏o͏ne person can significantly influe͏nce a group.
Diagnosed with high-functioning autism, Ran͏i has a distinct m͏ix of skil͏ls and ob͏stacles. Her ͏me͏ntal gr͏owth have lagged behind others her age, affecting her ͏studies. Yet she excel ͏at forming bonds with kids espec͏ially t͏hose faci͏ng autism.͏ A ͏silent rapport exists between her and these childr͏en going b͏eyond mere words.
In a high-energy environment of a special needs school where autism children could have varied behaviors, the calmness and reassuring presence she exudes is something quite extraordinary. The amount of patience and empathy she possesses is second to none; easily quelling the anxiety of children with her gesture or voice, as if in communication in an unspoken language. But most importantly, with Rani around, these children feel seen, heard and loved.
One of the things that is most impressive about Rani is how she can communicate with children who have no real language. She listens to them beyond their words. With her touch, with a quiet shared activity, just being there – she creates a connection that I rarely see happening between children on the spectrum and other adults.
Beyond that, she is also a role model for many of the school’s students and teachers. Her very presence helps to break down stereotypes surrounding autism and people with autism. She consistently shows everyone that people with autism can live full lives and make meaningful contributions in their own unique ways.
But most important of all, she has been a godsend for the many parents whose children study at the Cendekiara School. They have seen first-hand how Rani’s presence has impacted their children’s development and they are eternally grateful for her selflessness in giving so much of herself to help them find their feet in life.
Rani’s story is a powerful example of the fact that specially abled people are not handicapped if they choose not to be. There is so much we can learn from her. She reaches out to children like no one else can, she never gives up on them and her dedication to her work and the lives she touches is unprecedented. Specially abled heroes like Rani really prove how even the smallest of childhoods are saved with immense acts of kindness.
By: Desmalia Syakira
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
