From her son getting diagnosed with Autism in the early stages to discovering happiness at school that supports her autistic son, the journey of Shivani Manghani with Vivaan is all about accepting and loving a unique child without trying to change him. Today, she is advocating and spreading positivity and smashing all myths related to neurodivergent children through her social profile.
Being a parent of a neurodivergent child brings up many questions and discoveries that can transform one’s outlook towards life itself. In the case of Shivani who lives with her family in UK, the journey of parenting started with the discovery of her son being autistic at around 1.5-2 years of age.
Today, via Instagram handle, Be With Autism, Shivani is sharing parenting stories and tips about autism with a motive to spread positivity, love and acceptance.
From choosing a special school where Vivaan’s needs are understood to challenging hurtful assumptions about his future, Shivani has learned to celebrate the people who accept her son just as he is. She also speaks candidly about the emotional complexities of parenting, the cost of therapies and the importance of trusting the journey.
Her message is refreshingly simple: acceptance can change how society sees and treats autistic people. In this conversation with All About Inclusive, Shivani opens up about Vivaan’s diagnosis, their experiences in India and the UK, the power of community and her hope for a world where every child belongs.
Also Read: She Spent 34 Years Trying to Fix Herself Then Autism Gave Her the Answers
“We knew something was different”
Every child’s developmental journey is different, and for Shivani, certain early signs led to Vivaan’s autism diagnosis. Looking back, she recalls the behaviours that first caught their attention.
Shivani shares: “Vivaan was diagnosed when he was about 1.5-2 years old. He didn’t give eye contact, poor response to name and no pointing. He’s born and raised in the UK.”
“He comes home extremely happy every single day”
Finding the right educational environment is an important part of a family’s journey. For Shivani, seeing Vivaan happy at school and having his needs met has reinforced their decision to choose a special school in the UK.
Explaining why the decision has worked for their family, she says:
“He goes to a special school here in the UK that’s the best decision we’ve made so far as his needs are met and he comes home extremely happy every single day which is what is most important to us. Mainstream unfortunately is not suited for neurodiverse learners still as they have a single format to teach all kids in the same setting and same pace irrespective of their capabilities.”
“We got all the equipments at home”
Accessing therapies can be financially challenging for families. Shivani speaks honestly about her experience of trying to understand autism and related needs during a year spent in India, and how taking a more hands-on approach at home helped her family.
She recalls: “Therapies are indeed very expensive. We spent a year in india trying to understand Autism, sensory issues pica, etc. We truly felt that it was a waste of money and time honestly and this is just another money-making business. We then got all the equipments at home and starting to do everything at home. That helped us a lot looking back.”
Also Read: Her Speech Was Delayed, Not Her Potential: Story Of 10-year-old Sanvika
“We’ve got amazing friends who truly love and understand him”
Acceptance can transform a family’s experience of the world. For Shivani, having friends who welcome Vivaan without expecting him to change has been a source of happiness and reassurance.
She shares:
“My profile is Be with Autism, but yes we’ve been very lucky as we’ve got amazing friends who truly love and understand him the way he is without the need to change him.”
“That really triggered me and inspired me to raise awareness”
Sometimes, an insensitive remark can become the starting point for a larger purpose. For Shivani, a comment about Vivaan’s future strengthened her resolve to challenge misconceptions about autism.
She explains:
“When an adult came and told us that he will never get a job and “be normal”… That really triggered me and inspired me to raise awareness amongst people who just don’t understand them.”
“They must be included in everything”
Social gatherings can offer children opportunities to connect, participate and feel a sense of belonging. But genuine inclusion means more than simply inviting a neurodivergent child into a space.
Shivani believes: “I think when neurodiverse kids are called at social events they must be included in everything and not just simply stare at them for being slightly different.”
Also Read: Autism Diagnosis to Graduation: US-Based Mother Vidya Banerjee on Believing in Her Son
“You know you’ve achieved something when a stranger gives you and your child blessings”
Parenting can feel isolating, but finding people who understand the journey can make it less lonely. Shivani finds strength in the connections that parents build with one another and in the kindness of people who embrace their children.
She says:“I think parents of special parents support each other and we have a wonderful community amongst us through social media. You know you’ve achieved something when a stranger gives you and your child blessings love and more power.”
“I simply surrender to the Divine”
Even amid progress, love and acceptance, parenting can bring moments of guilt and self-doubt. Shivani acknowledges these feelings with honesty and shares what helps her navigate them.
Reflecting on the emotional side of parenting, she says:
“Many a times yes. It’s just natural to feel regret, guilty and think that I’m not doing enough for my child. From my personal experience I simply surrender to the Divine, that’s all. There is nothing more we can do to be honest.”
“Only one thing … Acceptance of Autism”
For Shivani, the changes she hopes to see begin with a fundamental shift in how society understands autism. She wants acceptance to translate into opportunities, dignity and inclusion in everyday life.
Her message to society is clear: “Only one thing … Acceptance of Autism. That’s all. It will solve problems of being different, being unemployed being rejected at schools etc etc. That’s what we wish for to be honest.”
Also Read: Pranav Bakhshi Saw Himself in Mr. Bean. Today, He Is India’s First Fashion Model with Autism
A world where every child belongs
Through Be With Autism, Shivani is building awareness one experience at a time. Her story reminds us that a child’s happiness, the people who embrace them and the opportunities they receive matter far more than society’s expectations of what a child should be.
Vivaan’s journey is also a reminder that inclusion is not about making every child fit into the same mould. It is about creating spaces where children can learn, participate and feel accepted as themselves.
And sometimes, the most meaningful sign of progress is beautifully simple: a child coming home happy, a friend offering unconditional acceptance, or a stranger blessing a parent and child with love.
