Our story is an extraordinary journey of unmatched success. In a single year, we lived through the pain and happiness of a decade, channeling our experiences into results that would typically take years to achieve. This testament to love, dedication, and creative intervention showcases how two devoted parents, Shivani Bansal and Sunil Bansal, both scientists at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, USA, crafted a loving and effective environment for their twin boys. One parent (Shivani) brings a nurturing heart to the family while other (Sunil) contributes a keen, analytical mind, together forming a dynamic partnership that supports the remarkable growth of the twins.

Beginnings and Realizations

Our journey began with the arrival of our identical twin boys, Sanskar and Satvik, who joined their older sister to complete our family. Holding them for the first time, we were filled with a mix of joy and anticipation. As seasoned parents, we thought we knew what to expect, but life had different plans. Early on, we noticed subtle differences, particularly with Sanskar, who seemed to engage with the world in his own unique way.

By six months, Sanskar’s gaze often drifted away. As the twins grew, each boy exhibited distinct behaviors. Sanskar became captivated by spinning objects, while Satvik showed a preference for round caps and his tight hugs held an intensity that spoke volumes in silence.

While we celebrated our boys’ uniqueness, we couldn’t ignore our growing concerns. As parents, these differences prompted us to trust our natural instincts, and we recognized these signs as early indicators of autism. Our parental instincts nudged us to pay closer attention, guiding us gently toward more understanding.

Embracing Our Journey

When autism was first mentioned at the pediatrician’s office, it felt like the world shifted beneath us. That night, we found solace in each other and the quiet promise of love and resilience. We chose not to share this with anyone immediately, opting instead to process it together as a family.

Determined to support our boys, we transformed our home into a haven of learning and growth. We immersed ourselves in understanding autism, realizing that waiting for traditional interventions wasn’t enough. Many sleepless, painful nights were spent grappling with uncertainty and searching for answers, yet each moment of struggle served to strengthen our resolve and deepen our commitment to our twins’ growth. This revelation became a catalyst for our proactive approach to our sons’ development. Rather than seeing autism as a limitation, we saw it as a new way of experiencing the world.

With determination to support our children, we transformed our home into a nurturing environment. Every corner was thoughtfully designed to encourage development while respecting sensory preferences. This home-based approach was a crucial part of our strategy. Realizing the importance of early intervention, we immersed ourselves in learning about autism. We became primary therapists of our children, integrating therapeutic activities into our daily routines. Our approach emphasized natural motivation and aligned with the boys’ interests.

Our older daughter, without realizing the complexities, became an integral part of the journey, naturally modeling social behaviors and offering unconditional love. Her interactions created organic opportunities for her brothers to learn and connect, demonstrating the power of sibling relationships in development.

We learned to trust our instincts, often finding more success in personalized approaches than traditional methods. We embraced flexibility, allowing the twins to explore concepts at their own pace, fostering a love for learning beyond conventional boundaries. Everyday moments became teachable moments. Meals were opportunities for colors and counting, while walks became adventures in sensory exploration. This approach ensures that learning is continuous, enjoyable and fun-based.

Challenges and Triumphs

Our home became a laboratory of love, where every corner offered a lesson, and each day brought new discoveries. We considered every challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. We learned to create sensory-friendly environments, gradually introducing new experiences while respecting our boys’ comfort levels. This helped the twins build resilience and confidence. Understanding that traditional speech therapy doesn’t always work, we created an environment that naturally encouraged verbal and non-verbal communications.

The emergence of speech came in unexpected ways. Satvik surprised us one day by completing the ABC song when I paused in the middle. Sanskar’s first word was “fish” after a therapy session while looking at a picture book. These weren’t just words; they were bridges connecting their world to ours. Each new word became a precious gem in our collection of progress.

The twin dynamics played a crucial role in their social development. Initially parallel players, they gradually began engaging in interactive play. Watching them share jokes, albeit in their unique way, or comfort each other during challenging moments showed us that emotional connection doesn’t always follow conventional paths. Perhaps the most heartwarming developments were emotional. Seeing Satvik spontaneously comfort his brother during a difficult moment, or Sanskar expressing joy through his whole body when achieving something new – these moments showed us that emotional intelligence develops in many ways.

We noticed preferences and aversions, using this knowledge to enhance learning. For example, knowing that Sanskar responded better to low-pitched voices, we adjusted our communication style accordingly. Physical challenges like jumping were approached with creativity. The use of mini-trampolines and supportive play helped build confidence and motor skills. Socially, the twins learned through interactions with each other and their sister, developing their own language and understanding.

We celebrated every milestone, no matter how small. Each day offered a new opportunity to witness their growth and joy, turning even the toughest nights into memories of love and perseverance.  When Sanskar used his finger to point instead of crying, it was a victory. Satvik’s echoing of a word from his favorite cartoon became a cherished moment. Our boys’ twin dynamic presented unique challenges but also unexpected blessings. They inspired each other, creating a natural support system that often taught us more than any book or therapy session could.

Growth and Community

Academically, we followed our boys’ interests, allowing their curiosity to guide their learning. Sanskar and Satvik exceeded expectations, exploring numbers and letters with enthusiasm. This child-led approach not only fostered a love for learning but also reinforced their confidence.

Our twins have achieved remarkable feats, setting five world records that highlight their exceptional abilities and our commitment to nurturing their development. Their achievements are a testament to a nurturing environment that celebrates their interests and encourages exploration.

Socially, we focused on natural interactions, particularly between the siblings. Our daughter played a crucial role, turning everyday moments into opportunities for social learning. We didn’t force traditional interactions but instead celebrated the organic connections that unfolded. At the age of three, when we saw that our twins had made remarkable progress and were on a promising path, we decided to share our journey publicly through social media. Our openness about autism has fostered understanding and support, leading to uplifting experiences in various social settings.

Now, our twin boys, who are just 3 years old, have reached milestones far beyond their age in every aspect. They are academically comparable to 6-year-olds, with many more world records in the pipeline. They can independently read any English book, write, and spell. Their communication skills match those of 5-year-olds, and physically, they are on par with 4-year-olds. Cognitively, they are advanced, showcasing abilities well beyond their years.

Today, our boys continue to amaze us with their progress. They’ve moved from minimal communication to engaging with books, expressing their needs, and showing interest in the world around them. Their journey has transformed not just them, but our entire family’s perspective on love, patience, and the true meaning of success.

Engaging with our community has become a vital aspect of our journey. We chose transparency, sharing our story to foster understanding and acceptance. This openness often led to beautiful moments of support, reinforcing that we were not alone in this journey.

Legacy and Hope

Our experience with our twin boys transformed not just our family but also our purpose in life. The success we achieved through our unique approach to autism intervention sparked a deeper calling – to share our knowledge and support with other families facing similar challenges. This led to the creation of our platform Autism Blessings, born from real experience and proven success. Autism Blessings, a support system, is aimed at empowering parents to become advocates for their children. We learned that our constant presence and understanding positioned us uniquely to facilitate our boys’ development. Sharing our journey, we hope to guide other families facing similar challenges.

We understood firsthand the overwhelming feelings parents experience upon receiving an autism diagnosis. The questions, the concerns, the search for direction – we have lived through it all. But more importantly, we have discovered that with the right approach, understanding, and support, remarkable progress was possible. This became the foundation of our mission to guide other families.

Our approach at Autism Blessings reflects everything we have learned through our journey. We emphasize the power of parent-led intervention, the importance of seeing each child’s unique potential, and the value of creating supportive, enriched learning environments. With families, we share not just strategies but also the understanding that comes from walking this path ourselves.

The transformation we witnessed in our own children became our source of hope and inspiration for others. We knew that if we could achieve such remarkable progress with our twins, other families could too – with the right guidance and support. This belief drives our commitment to sharing our knowledge and experience with other families.

Every family we help adds to our understanding and strengthens our mission. Their successes become part of our collective wisdom, creating a growing community of empowered parents and thriving children. This continuous cycle of learning and sharing helps us refine our approach while reaching more families in need.

Our journey taught us that autism is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world. With the right approach, remarkable progress is possible, and we are committed to helping others realize this potential. We see a future where success stories become the norm rather than the exception. Every family that achieves breakthrough progress with their child adds to our collective knowledge and inspiration, creating a growing wave of positive changes in how autism is understood and supported worldwide.

Sunil Bansal
2025
https://autismblessings.com
happyreturns@autismblessings.com