Strength and Strategy: Arti Bhatia's Journey with Autism

David talks with Arti Bhatia, a technology leader and passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Arti shares her inspiring journey of parenting her 20-year-old non-speaking autistic son, Sam. From navigating early challenges after moving from India to the U.S., to discovering life-changing communication tools at the age of 17, Arti emphasizes the importance of presuming competence and fighting for inclusive education. Artie also recounts their incredible six-week travel adventure in India, shedding light on the diverse aspects of autism awareness and acceptance across cultures. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable tips for parents, insights into leveraging community resources, and heartfelt confessions about the lessons learned along the way.   Topics 00:50 Meet Arti Bhatia: Advocate and Mother 02:28 Early Challenges and Diagnosis 08:14 Discovering RPM and New Communication Methods 15:44 Navigating Education and Resources 22:31 Community Support and Resources 30:03 Reflecting on a Meaningful Experience 30:50 Arti's Trip to India 32:39 Navigating Challenges and Cultural Differences 37:52 Travel Tips for Parents 41:18 Weekly Segments: Autism Tip of the Week 46:31 Weekly Segments: Autism Fact or Fiction 52:18 Weekly Segments: Parent Confessions 55:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts