Teenager Hishaam fought all odds to deliver a spectacular dandiya performance live at London’s iconic Porchester Hall last month.
Hishaam was born healthy and had a normal life until the age of two. That’s when his parents noticed that he was having trouble communicating and according to them had gone “almost mute”. It was at the age of four he was formally diagnosed with autism.
The thirteen-year-old went to a local Primary school, where he faced different sets of challenges.
Speaking of challenges faced during schooling Qurat Irfan, Hishaam’s mother told Asian Sunday: “The beginning years were hard because, although he had the diagnosis, but in order to get him the right help even through the local authorities was a struggle. His needs were not physical, it was mental. So it was a constant battle, between us parents and the authorities to say that he needs help.”
“He eventually did (get help), going to a regular primary school, but with support. He always had one to one support with him.”
Hishaam’s parents added that the help from NHS was “minimal”.
Mrs Irfan added, “We had to do private speech language therapy for him in order to help him cover the gaps where he had lost so many years without the speech.”.
Hishaam joined Step Change Studios a year ago, for a weekly session of dance organised for children of all abilities.
Describing the dance journey, Hishaam’s mother added, “He gained confidence and he was happy looking at the reactions from around. It also gave him an opportunity to meet and mingle with people of all kinds of disabilities. Me and my husband wanted him to see that everyone is capable”
Hishaam auditioned and was selected for performing at Porchester.
Qurat Irfan said: “It was his first performance and he really enjoyed it. Kritika, who was his dance teacher was very patient with him.”
Dance helped Hishaam interact and develop social and communication skills.
Rashmi Becker, Step Change Studios which provides inclusive dance opportunities for people with disabilities said: “What I love about our work is seeing the positive impact of dance on participants. Hishaam’s development in a short space of time has been tremendous. When he first started dancing it was challenging for him to focus and concentrate in class.”
“However, it was clear he enjoyed dancing. Within a few weeks Hishaam’s ability to follow dance steps and contribute ideas for dance moves really improved. His social skills, such as engaging positively with other participants, being able to listen, and expressing himself verbally and through dance have also continued to develop. We are all very proud of Hishaam’s progress and what he has achieved. As guardian to my disabled brother, I know how important family support and advocacy is. Hishaam’s parents consistent encouragement has been essential in helping him to realise his potential.”
Speaking on the stigma around disability, Mrs Irfan added, “There’s not many opportunities out there. I am grateful to Rashmi (Founder, Step Change studio), her brother had a disability and that inspired her to do something for individuals with disabilities and I wish there were more organisations like that.”
Emphasising on the stigma, especially within the South Asian community, she added “There is a stigma or a taboo in our society around disability, especially when its not visible. I think our culture puts a lot of pressure on us. The wider community is not as accepting when it comes to such disabilities. All I would say to parents is, give your child the love and affection as you would do to any other child and don’t pay attention to the noise that happens in our communities and culture. The children do thrive, they just need your engagement and love. They will find what they are interested in and they’ll do well.”
“If I remember our early years journey with our son, with the cultural pressure was hard. Sometimes you’ve to just block that noise and focus on the child.”
Explaining further on the general stigma, she said: “Sometimes they say ‘it’s black magic’, sometimes they blame it on inheritance and genes. Sometimes they blame it on upbringing, without knowing what the condition is”
“Especially to South Asian parents I would say that don’t lose hope. Just focus on the fact that your child needs you”
Qurat Irfan is hopeful for the future, “It will take us a long while to get over these stigmas, we are making progress, but we still have a long way to go.”
Meanwhile, Hishaam is determined to grab opportunities in future to do and continue to challenge the stereotypes.
