Muskaan
Muskaan was born on 11th February 2002. That’s when our journey started for an unplanned yet exciting tour.
Within an hour of her birth doctors conveyed that she’s a 'Mongol' child. In 15 days, the Karyotypying confirmed her diagnosis. Though, it took us time to accept the fact but slowly we started searching about Down syndrome on internet and ordered books from abroad. By God's grace, we got to know of her diagnosis soon after her birth and we started early intervention when Muskaan was a month old with physiotherapy, occupational therapy etc. When she was 3 months old, we got to know that she had a hole in her heart but fortunately, the hole got closed on its own when she turned 3.
We admitted Muskaan to a play group when she was one year old and were fortunate enough that the play group teacher was aware of special needs as her son had special needs. That was the turning point for Muskaan as her teacher took special care for her and there she got trained for walking, eating, reading and writing skills.
Muskaan is hard working, sincere and disciplined. She studied in a mainstream school till 6th grade. After that she was not able to cope up with studies. It was then that we opted for home schooling. Though we faced difficulty during initial stages of home schooling but slowly we could figure out. Soon we started training her for life skills along with home schooling.
Four years ago, on Diwali we observed her painting Diya’s along with her brother and that’s when we started Muskaan Creations. Muskaan has showcased her various type of Diya’s at many fairs and other occasions.
We have explore many activities for Muskaan from her childhood. She has been trained for Keyboard, Painting, Karate, Bharatnatyam, Skating, Yoga etc. Following are few of her achievements:
- Cleared two exams in Keyboard, Prarambhik and Parichay from Mahagujarat Gandharv Sangeet Samiti.
-Cleared three exams in Bharatanatyam Gujarat level – Prarambhik, Pravashika Pratham and Pravashika Purn.
- Cleared four exams in Bharatanatyam National level – Prarambhik, Pravashika Pratham, Pravashika Purn and Madhyma Pratham.
- Achieved Orange Belt in Karate.
- Her Diya’s got selected for eCAPA 2019, New Delhi - an exclusive exhibition of Art created by individuals with intellectual challenges.
- Won many prizes in dance competions and fashion shows.
- She gets regular orders for her Diya’s art and crayon art works.
- Took part in Super Jodi 5 km Marathon.
- She has participated in Khel mahakhumb.
Muskaan has always lived up to her name. She’s fond of music, dancing, reading, crayon art work and eating. She helps her mom with household chores and her mom is totally dependent on her. We are working with her on cooking skills and hope that soon she will be able to cook independently.
We are sure Muskaan with her never say die spirit will achieve more.
