The Legacy of My Sister with Autism
My autistic sister, who suffers from epilepsy and dyskinesia, has inspired me in ways no one could
If there is one term I can use to describe my sister, it would no doubt be “warrior.”
Her ability to smile through pain and suffering is a trait I will always admire.
My sister’s name is Akshitha Rajagopalan, and she has had autism (communication impairment), epilepsy (uncontrolled brain activity, also known as seizures), and dyskinesia (movement disorder) for most of her life.
As she grew older, her conditions worsened, and she continues to fight with these disorders today.
Akshitha encounters a wide range of seizures, from mini seizures (uncontrolled brain activity on small regions of the brain) to grand mal seizures (loss of consciousness due to abnormal brain activity).
Whenever Akshitha encounters a grand mal seizure, the experience is horrifying. The dangerous episodes can appear anytime, any place. I can never predict when Akshitha will face a grand mal seizure. It haunts me every night. My parents can’t get a good night’s sleep even today due to the fear of when Akshitha will encounter a seizure.
One could think of a grand mal seizure like a thunderstorm, except it is inside the brain. The uncontrolled movement of neurons (brain cells) at a rapid flow causes the body to encounter shock and lose consciousness.
Whenever Akshitha recovers from a grand mal seizure, her entire face turns red, and she is gasping for air. Every time I see Akshitha after a seizure, I tell myself to stay strong, but at times I can’t control the sorrow and tears.
In addition to all of this, Akshitha struggles to move, eat, and sleep because of dyskinesia.
Think about it. If the movement was beyond your control (uncontrollable handshaking or feet movement), how can anyone first of all eat, let alone sleep?
Despite Akshitha’s pain and suffering, her ability to stand up, regain consciousness, and continue to live her life is what motivates me the most.
“My daughter has one of the strongest fighting spirits I have ever seen.” — Raj Santhanam (father of Akshitha Rajagopalan)
Akshitha helped me grow stronger
In my eyes, Akshitha is a normal person, despite the disorders she has and the behaviors she exhibits. However, not everyone sees her the same way. Whenever I take Akshitha outside, many people stare and make fun of her.
People assume Akshitha has “no brain” and is mentally ill. When I was young, it would hurt me to see people think of her this way, and I sometimes would cry after those kinds of events. I gradually learned as I grew older that I should stop caring about what other people think. They don’t know what she is going through. It is shameful that instead of displaying sympathy and encouragement, they are joking around and teasing her.
The mindset of “ignoring other people think” has helped me grow stronger and has led me to make significant strides in life.
If anyone has family members or friends who suffer from disorders and disabilities, know that it will get better. Some people will support, some people will joke, and some people will hate. That is life, and there is nothing anyone can do to change that.
Ensure that no matter what happens, you will always be there for your loved ones.
Akshitha inspired me to pursue Pharmacy
I always strived to learn more about the brain, specifically brain disorders. Every time my sister encounters a seizure, it increases the sense of urgency in knowing what’s causing that to happen and how I could find a potential cure for her.
I wished to pursue Pharmacy because I’m hoping that I can help find a treatment for my sister’s disorders, see her enjoy life to the fullest without debilitating symptoms, and help advance the state of treatment research. This goal is what drives me to perform at my highest ability. Not only do I want to help my sister, but I want to help the many others who are also suffering from these disorders.
Extensive research in pharmacology could offer more clarity and rise to many treatment options for brain disorders.
Even though Akshitha can’t verbally communicate, I know she would want me to pursue a Pharmacy degree and save millions of lives in the process.
Approaching the end of the article, I would like to thank you with all my heart for reading this. Typing this article had me emotional in various ways as I had to remember the many obstacles and challenges Akshitha has faced.
For the brothers, sisters, parents, and friends of a child suffering from a disorder, understand that you are a champion. You are a beacon of hope for everyone in this world. I salute and thank you for your devotions, efforts, and spirituality.
