An Owl House with a difference

Fatigue with the way the world functions is often a game-changer. It makes way for endless possibilities and a paradigm shift to get anything novel and worthy started. That exactly seems to be the genesis of The Owl House, a ‘first of its kind’ community service initiative that helps individuals and families with neurological differences, (primarily Autism Spectrum disorders)  integrate into society. That this centre is located in Aldona, is itself testament to a deeper conviction. Conceptualised by a group of friends from Mumbai, The Owl House is managed by a qualified team of psychologists and educators from Goa. Explains Priya Sule, one of the core initiators of this project, “We were truly tired of society’s need to divide and label people as ‘normal’ or ‘special’ and the typical corrective measures employed to normalise rather than to build on the intrinsic abilities or strengths of the child. No matter what the condition is, it is important to view them as individuals first.” 

The all women team consists of behavioural psychologist and programme coordinator, Renuka Figueiredo, special educators, Vivien Vaz and Deesha Patel and counsellor, Richelle Brito-Carvalho. This community centre aims to provide vocational support, mentor programmes and skill development workshops and importantly includes parents and siblings in the process. Informs Renuka, “There are those with no neurological comorbidity but who struggle with social and communication issues.” Those with sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome and specific learning disorders also join the programmes. She adds, “We believe in being inclusive and in creating individualised plans for each member and their family,  keeping their strengths and needs in mind.”      

Within five months of operations, the centre has 17 children for regular sessions on a weekly basis and many others who come in for workshops a few times in a month. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m, life skills based training is imparted everyday across a range of interests from recyclable art, cooking, pottery, gardening, art, music and dance. Group activities or Workshops are conducted on Wednesday and Saturday, so even those who go to other schools and resource rooms, are able to attend. As Vivien aptly puts it, “There is a dearth of places for these children to socialise and just be who they are. Here, they have a predictability of a plan every Saturday and within a created social scenario, they learn to interact with others. It is heartening that the regulars have started noticing each other. They’ve begun to acknowledge, make eye contact and have their own way of communicating. For us, each day is a new epiphany.” 

Also equipped with a fully cushioned sensory room that serves as a calming zone to soothe those who are overstimulated, The Owl House is a sensorial environment in a quiet neighbourhood, making it a safe and fun zone for children to explore. A fabulous resource and support group for parents as well, the centre advises parents on what they can do to assist their child. Adds Richelle, “Parents need to know what to observe to facilitate us in our work. We also provide them with cue cards to help them stay consistent in teaching a set process with visual aids.”

Robin De Souza whose 19 year old son has been a regular at the centre, seems reassured. He says, “I have noticed a remarkable change in my son in just 3 months. He has become more social, understanding and is even trying to speak. He loves the centre so much that he wouldn’t mind living there.” On a lighter note, he quips, “We are thrilled that his plate lands in the sink and he washes it himself.” 

One of the biggest myths that exist is that individuals on the autism spectrum are all gifted. Perhaps, the movie  Rainman may have contributed to this myth. That is not to dismiss Dustin Hoffman’s savant character, Raymond - a genius in maths and memory skills. Though this does happen in some cases, it need not always be the rule. As Priya cautions, “Gifted is not a defining characteristic. It is in fact scary to see this as a generalised perception because parents go hunting for that special trait that they may not find. We do try and seek it but are not anchored in that pursuit or obsession.”       

Working closely with Sethu and Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), the team understands the diagnostics and assessments of a case, helping them follow through with recommendations. Moving to a collaboration oriented model, The Owl House has teamed up with Sethu, an organisation synonymous with child development and care in Goa. Dr. Nandita De Souza - Director of Sethu, shares, “We have so many ideas for social skills programmes. However, due to space constraints at our facility, we were unable to do so and The Owl House has willingly come to our rescue! Together with the students of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and the cooperative staff at The Owl House, we run DOST - Developing Opportunities for Special Teenagers.”  She exclaims, “It’s a program that’s a Win-Win-Win-Win for the teens, students, Owl House and Sethu!”

Recently, the centre organised a Diwali Mela, to get students to experience the whole process of planning, putting together an event and manage money. Some products made by them were also on sale.  Always on the look-out for volunteers and mentors, Deesha specifies, “We need people who can be regular and consistent. It isn’t mandatory for them to be formally trained. We work with mentors to orient them with the curriculum and assessments.” 

It is a known fact that early diagnosis and intervention can do wonders in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Centres like these are boons to special needs children and the substantial work done in this area still doesn’t seem enough.  Just like the eponymous wise, patient creature, The Owl House strives to make a difference, keeping a keen eye on these children and giving them wings to fly.