Sid and mum Rajni talk about the support they receive from Afea

We are absolutely thrilled to share that one of our NDIS clients, Hem Sidharth Chandran, has published a book about his experience living with autism.

Sid describes An Unspoken Story: Living with Autism as a window into his life, from the perspective of a man with complex communication needs. People with complex communication needs are unable to use communication skills, including speech, to meet all of their requirements in daily interactions.

‘I am a thinking, feeling man’

As Sid writes in his book, “I want everyone to know that I am a thinking, feeling man, I do not speak. I am aware that I act in ways that others see as ‘weird’ as though I had ‘no sense.’ This is because my mind and body work differently and not always in congruence with each other. I can express myself through typing. I would like people in ‘Planet Normal’ to know what people with Complex Communication Needs (non- speakers) experience.”

We visited Sid and his mother, Rajni, at home to talk about his book and the support they receive from Afea.

Using AAC to communicate

“I am sure I can give you a copy,” Sid tells us. He uses an app called Grid on his iPad. Grid is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool, which allows him to communicate independently. Sid works with support workers from Afea as well as a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist to learn how to use this and other tools in his daily tasks.

“I have sensory issues and apraxia that makes it harder for me to function,” he adds. Apraxia is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to perform everyday movements.

“I wrote it [the book] to tell people about how I experience the world.”

Sid and Afea

Sid has been a client of Afea since 2017. “Afea is an excellent service, and everyone is happy to be involved,” Rajni says.

Sid has had the same support worker, Sushil, for nearly five years.

“I’m very comfortable with Sushil,” Sid says.

“Sushil and Sidharth have developed a very good relationship,” Rajni shares. “Sidharth is very calm and feels very well supported.”

She continues: “There are times when nobody can work with him because Sidharth is not willing to sit down at all, but for some reason his comfort level with Sushil is so great. It’s not entirely because of the number of years, I think it’s just the rapport that has developed between them.”

Rajni says that communication with Sidharth works best when he has a trusting and positive relationship with the support person.

“He’s happy with his team,” Rajni says. “He’s got the right supports, and we’re just hoping that this would remain so.”

‘An Unspoken Story’ in the Afea Library

We were honoured to receive a donation from Sid of his book at the launch of our new initiative, an in-office “street library” where any Afean can give a book, take a book and read a book.

Thank you, Sid!

An Unspoken Story: Living with Autism, is available via print on demand and on Amazon Kindle

NDIS Support from Afea

Our amazing support workers will provide you with compassionate care at home and in the community to help you live more independently, achieve your goals and get the most out of life! 

In addition to our compassionate Core support services—

• Afea’s Support Coordinators are committed to helping you achieve your goals, develop your skills and access the best services suited to your needs. Reduce the stress and time spent on implementing NDIS plans with the help of our amazing Support Coordinators!
• Our Plan Management team is your financial champion, ensuring your funding is used to its fullest potential.

Contact us now to begin receiving care.

You can also email us via hello@afea.com.au or call 1300 65 11 33.