A Journey of Overcoming Challenges
Early Struggles:

I faced significant challenges throughout my early school years. A severe learning disability hindered my academic progress, making it difficult to keep up with my peers. As I progressed to 10th grade, behavioral issues further exacerbated the situation, leading to my expulsion from school.

A Turning Point:

At a critical juncture, my school counselors referred me to Miss Sameena, a mentor who recognized my potential and offered unwavering support. Under her guidance, I was able to withdraw from the traditional school setting and embark on a personalized learning journey.

Overcoming Obstacles:

With Miss Sameena's support, I began to address the underlying issues that had been hindering my progress. We worked on:

Improving focus and concentration: Implementing techniques like mindfulness and time management strategies.
Managing anxiety and stress: Developing coping mechanisms and seeking professional help when needed.
Overcoming learning difficulties: Utilizing specialized learning techniques and assistive technologies.
Addressing behavioral issues: Practicing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Building self-confidence and self-esteem: Celebrating small victories and recognizing personal growth.
A New Beginning:

Thanks to Miss Sameena's belief in me and my relentless determination, I was able to excel in my 10th-grade exams. This marked a turning point in my life, and I continued to thrive academically. I successfully completed 12th grade with distinction and discovered a passion for mineralogy and gemology. Driven by this newfound interest, I pursued higher education in the field.

Building a Future:

Having successfully completed my higher education in mineralogy and gemology, I have now embarked on a new chapter by starting my own business. This venture allows me to combine my academic knowledge with my entrepreneurial spirit, creating a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

Khan
Student, Ex DPS Bangalore 

HISTORY

Ayaan was born in February 2020. As a new mother, I was already succumbed to postpartum, and to add to it, within a month, the lockdown started. Even if we could afford help, there was none!
He also had GERD at birth. Quite a severe one! His regurgitation episodes were affecting his sleep, and our whole day. With all the chores, we had to “treat him like a vessel” (as per the doctor), hold him straight for hours and hours and hours! He would sleep on our shoulders. This GERD affected almost 12 months of his life. But somehow, he was achieving his motor skills. He didn’t used to respond to his name. We assumed, as he had only been with 2/3 people, he was just ignorant. But something in him was not right! Around 15 months, when we went for vaccination, the doctor asked several questions regarding his overall development, like does he point, does he try to call you, does he acknowledge name call, does he play properly, etc. We went blank as all the answers were big NO!
We still believed that this was due to the lockdown, and he would “recover” once we introduced him to other kids. I tried to be in a lot of playdates organized in our society with the mothers and kids of a similar age group. He wouldn’t pay heed to other kids even if some kid was crying at the top of his lungs, he would just spin wheels or indulge in his own play.

ACCEPTANCE

Ayaan is going to be 5 in a few weeks. He is absolutely non-verbal. His mode of communication is mostly handholding and dragging to the objects he wants.
It took me around 3 years when I finally accepted that he is autistic and pretty severe in the spectrum. People kept giving me examples of distant relatives who spoke later in life and kept believing that maybe next month if he can successfully utter one word, we can achieve 2-word sentences in the next 6 months and things will be “normal.”
I tried to find treatment, joined groups for stem cell therapy. I am a biotech graduate, so I know what stem cells could do to you if not administered correctly with the right amount of dose. It can lead to tumors and excess growth in the targeted cells. It’s not that I’m entirely against it, but it didn’t have any concrete proof, and there is no evidence that the kids going through treatments are improving. There are cases quite contrary as promised by these institutions.
I went on binge-buying resources thinking if he can complete these, he will be at par with other kids of his age. He didn’t show interest, I got more and more. The comparison with other NT kids will always haunt you. Be it with your nephews and nieces whom you love like your kid but still, you are bound to compare your kid with their progress.

ALL ABOUT THERAPIES

Our kids need a lot of attention. Even if we try to put them into kindergartens or Montessori schools, the teachers are not well-trained to handle them. I tried to integrate Ayaan with 2 such schools hoping that it will build his social skills. Unfortunately, he was either not allowed to be with other kids as they were smaller (though the same age) and he roamed around the hall or was put in a separate room with a nanny.
One-on-one therapies helped him build understanding. He can now follow specific instructions. We started his therapies as early as he was 18 months. However, getting a good place for therapies is always challenging. Ayaan hated 45 minutes of therapies initially, especially speech, where they wanted him to utter some sort of sound. It took him 20 minutes to settle, and then the rest of the session he would try to avoid tasks.
There were phases that lasted months when he would just cry and not do anything as he didn’t like the therapist. Even if you pointed it out in the center, they weren’t ready to experiment with his behavior with other therapists. The struggle started in the car while we took turns and he understood where we were going (he has incredible memory of roads, he even knows where there are cross-sections or potholes and I need to slow down).
There were months, I just used to take him to centers and he would cry, and we would come back. No progress except his skills increasing in how to avoid learning with just screaming.

Good thing about some centers is that they will be transparent. They even gave access to their cameras and would see him misbehave. The center head said you shouldn’t stop. If you do that, he will get away with his behavior always. I continued to go with and sit outside. Other parents used to be anxious thinking it might be their kid. I used to assure them, don’t worry it’s my ‘drama-king.’
Some of the centers targeting specific therapies like speech or OT were not that helpful, as to make Ayaan settle will take him. It was the therapy center with programs like ABA with longer hours and concrete programs that helped him. He knows that every day he would go to one place and it’s not like daily the centers and therapies were changing. Those twice or thrice a week therapy of 45 minutes didn’t help Ayaan. Some suggested visual schedules will help, but Ayaan liked a few places and hated some, and no matter what sort of reinforcements we used, he wouldn’t be comfortable most of the sessions.

No matter how experienced therapists or well-known centers it might be, your child may not adjust. Understand the reason why and then move on to something that will help. However, very frequent change of routine will cause more harm. So, give some benefit of the doubt before changing.
Personally, I hated closed-door therapies. If your child is not able to communicate, you need to have transparency about what the goals are. Just stating the goals by the therapist may not be enough; you need to observe them so that they can be implemented in other areas. I have changed famous centers as there was no transparency. They would give the achieved goals after months of taking sessions, without any videos or any in-between briefing. So, it doesn’t matter how reputed the centers or therapists might be. They should encourage the special parents to be empowered with the skills that are required for the benefit of the kids.

When we started with Positive Solutions, Sameena Ma’am gave us a direction that we had almost forgotten while running from therapist to therapist—Ayaan is a kid of 4 years and he has the capability to do his own stuff. He was so pampered that he wouldn't walk around and we had to carry him to or from the car. She guided us on how we can make him do things without much effort. Within weeks, Ayaan was following directions and going around places became much more enjoyable as he used to climb up and down the car, press the button of lifts, carry a small bag, etc.
I didn’t have the confidence in him before and used to resent traveling with him.
I love the way she treats him like any other kid. We are able to sit and eat at restaurants.
She is an extraordinary teacher not only for the kid but an eye-opener guide for parents. She gave me back faith that Ayaan can be absolutely independent, even when the assessment reports suggest otherwise.

SUPPORT

The biggest pillars and strength will be other fellow parents (birds of the same feather...). I think I started to look at my kid without comparing when I started mingling with other parents and kids. Even if anyone of them looked at you and smiled or just said “Hi,” it can elevate your mood 100 folds. I started to understand that there cannot be a frame of reference. All these kids are struggling and fighting their own battle with communicating and understanding expectations from them.
There is more to life than being in the rat race and excelling in education. We need to lead life and enjoy our kids as they identify small things. Cherish the blabbering which may not mean anything but means a whole lot when you understand how much effort he had to do to produce that sound.

HOPE

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
What are we without hope?
I have seen kids uttering one word to singing a whole song. I have seen kids struggling to hold a pen but now are writing words.
Do I hope for a miracle? Yes, I do. I do hope that my son will find his way to communicate. I also hope that he will live after us without needing us.

Amritha, Bangalore 

Working with Sameena Zaheer has been an enlightening experience for me and my son, Sarthak. From the very beginning, Sameena emphasized the importance of confidentiality and respect for names in our story, which gave me confidence in sharing Sarthak’s journey.

I’ve always been proactive about securing therapies for Sarthak, especially in speech and occupational therapy, after noticing developmental delays. However, navigating the challenges of finding appropriate educational environments was a constant struggle. During the pandemic, we faced additional hurdles, but I was amazed by how Sarthak adapted to household activities and social interactions, even though his behavior became more aggressive with the arrival of a younger sibling.

What stands out the most in our journey is the support we received from his school, which has positively influenced his development. Sameena has been instrumental in recognizing Sarthak’s exceptional memory and quick skill acquisition, even though we’ve had some concerns, especially with his speech development. I would rate it below four on a scale of ten, but Sameena and I have actively worked on encouraging his communication through verbal games and storytelling.

Sarthak’s early education was a difficult period, especially with the negative feedback we received from his first school. But Sameena’s approach, along with insights from the therapists, helped me realize the importance of my involvement. Her guidance has been invaluable in fostering Sarthak’s independence and emotional expression through engaging activities.

I am truly grateful for Sameena’s unwavering support, which has made a world of difference in our lives and Sarthak’s development.
Bangalore

Early Struggles:

I faced significant challenges throughout my early school years. A severe learning disability hindered my academic progress, making it difficult to keep up with my peers. As I progressed to 10th grade, behavioral issues further exacerbated the situation, leading to my expulsion from school.

A Turning Point:

At a critical juncture, my school counselors referred me to Miss Sameena, a mentor who recognized my potential and offered unwavering support. Under her guidance, I was able to withdraw from the traditional school setting and embark on a personalized learning journey.

Overcoming Obstacles:

With Miss Sameena's support, I began to address the underlying issues that had been hindering my progress. We worked on:

Improving focus and concentration: Implementing techniques like mindfulness and time management strategies.
Managing anxiety and stress: Developing coping mechanisms and seeking professional help when needed.
Overcoming learning difficulties: Utilizing specialized learning techniques and assistive technologies.
Addressing behavioral issues: Practicing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Building self-confidence and self-esteem: Celebrating small victories and recognizing personal growth.
A New Beginning:

Thanks to Miss Sameena's belief in me and my relentless determination, I was able to excel in my 10th-grade exams. This marked a turning point in my life, and I have continued to thrive academically and personally.

Lessons Learned:

My journey has taught me the importance of:

Seeking help: Don't hesitate to reach out to mentors, teachers, or counselors when you need support.
Believe in yourself: Even when faced with challenges, maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities.
Embrace individuality: Find your unique learning style and approach to problem-solving.
Prioritize mental health: Take care of your emotional well-being to enhance your overall performance.
Perseverance: Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
My story is a testament to the power of human connection, perseverance, and a willingness to seek help. I hope it inspires others to overcome their own challenges and achieve their full potential.

 Bangalore

Our Journey with Sameena: A Story of Hope and Transformation

Our son, born on March 7, 2018, was a healthy and happy child who achieved all his milestones until he was 1.5 years old. We were living in Mumbai, and he was a social, active child. However, after we moved to London, things took a dramatic turn. The NHS began a strict follow-up for vaccines, and at one point, my son received four vaccines at once, including the MMR vaccine. Within three months, we noticed signs of regression — no eye contact, no response to his name, and he seemed lost in his own world. Initially, we thought it might pass, but by six months, the situation only worsened.

Our concern grew when his playgroup teacher suggested we get his hearing checked. The audiometry test came out normal, but COVID-19 soon locked us in for six months with no social interaction. We hoped things would improve once the playgroup restarted in September 2020, but no significant progress was made. The teacher recommended we connect with an early intervention center for global developmental delays.

At this point, we contacted my son's pediatrician in India, who suggested bringing him back to India for a few months to see if he would bounce back to his earlier self with a familiar environment. So, in November 2020, I moved to Bangalore with my son to stay at my mother’s place. My sister’s child, who is two years older, tried to engage him, but nothing seemed to work. After months of trying, we went to Samvad Institute for an assessment, and they diagnosed him with regressive autism, mild to moderate. He had extreme difficulties with sleep, behavior (screaming, crying for hours), no speech, no sitting tolerance, and extreme hyperactivity.

We started ABA therapy at Samvad for two years, but progress was slower than expected. Then we began occupational therapy and speech therapy at Listening Ears. Around the same time, I was introduced to Ms. Sameena, and that’s when our journey towards positive change truly began.

In a short span of time, Sameena helped our son overcome his negative behaviors like biting, screaming, and demanding to be carried everywhere. He began to listen, understand, follow instructions, and, most importantly, became trainable. We also gave him homeopathic medicines alongside the therapies.

In January 2024, we moved from Bangalore to Mumbai when my husband returned from London. Since then, it has been almost a year, and I’ve seen incredible improvement in our son. His emotional development has soared, and he now goes to school, has learned to cycle without side balance, and even enjoys skating. We’re hopeful for his future, especially in sports.

Sameena has truly been an angel in our lives. She took away our worries and transformed our son in the most positive way. She has been a constant source of support, always available to help us tackle any situation, big or small. Her guidance and friendship have meant the world to us. I cannot thank Sameena enough for being an integral part of our journey and for making such a meaningful difference in our lives.

This version clearly highlights the key points of the journey, the improvements, and the deep gratitude for Sameena’s role in their progress. It flows smoothly while emphasizing the transformation and hope the family now has.

Pritisha 

From Doubt to Determination: My Story of Growth and Change

Many stories remain untold, but mine isnot one of them. It’s not the traumatic tale you might expect, yet what I’veendured has left its marks, ones I carry to this day. Being treateddifferently, misunderstood, hated, never allowed to question and pushed intopursuits I didn’t understand made me question my very existence. I wasn’tliving as myself; I was merely a shadow of what others wanted me to be. In thebeginning, I could never understand why, but as time passed, I began to realizethat society has little tolerance for those who deviate from its expectations.If you don’t conform to societal norms, have a different perspective, or dareto question the why, what, how, or when of anythingyou’re told to do, you’ll inevitably be labeled as an outsider. Failing to meetthe standards set by society or even just the people around you means beingtreated as though you don’t belong. It’s a question I’ve never been able tofully answer: why is it so hard tosimply be different?

I once believed everything would befine—until I was forced to quit the sport I loved most:Football. The schooldeemed my lack of academic focus unacceptable, and my passion for the game wassacrificed as a result. It broke something inside me, but I fought back. In theend, though, I gave in, too afraid of how others would judge me.

Things only got worse from there. Myteacher bullied me relentlessly, calling me names and pushing me beyond mylimits. I wasn’t the perfect student—skipping classes, challenging authority,and throwing tantrums were among my offenses—but I didn’t deserve suchtreatment. Eventually, I was forced into counseling and unfairly labeled as aspecial needs child, even though that was far from the truth.

Hate, confusion, and anger consumed me. Ibegan questioning everything: Does my existence even matter? Does anyone careabout what I think? Am I really me,or just a reflection of what others want me to be? It was during this time thatI resorted to lying, cheating, and deceiving—a set of skills I honed out ofnecessity. Looking back, I can only laugh at the choices I made instead ofdoing the right thing.

The situation escalated when the schoolrequired me to undergo a psychological evaluation and provide a brain-ageassessment from a hospital to remain enrolled. That visit haunts me to thisday; I still can’t fathom what I was put through. At home, things deterioratedfurther. My parents struggled to cope with what was happening, and their fightsbecame routine. I blamed myself for their unhappiness, crying myself to sleepevery night.

The worst came in 8th grade when I failedmy final math exam multiple times. This failure plunged me back into the worldof "special needs," with endless counseling sessions and mandatoryvisits to the school-appointed psychiatrist. Eventually, I gave up fighting anddid what the school and my parents demanded of me, just to keep the peace. Thispattern continued until I graduated from junior year.

By the time I started 11th grade,COVID-19 had disrupted the world. Oddly enough, I was grateful for thelockdowns. Online exams made cheating easy—a skill I had already mastered—and Ibreezed through the year. I wouldn’t blame anyone for how things unfolded; myteachers and parents were trying to help in their own way. But they overlookedone crucial fact: that I existed.

Here begins the turning point of mystory—the moment my life began to change for the better.

Through all the chaos, one person kept megrounded: Sameena, whom I consider my mother. She stood by me through the worsttimes, protecting me from expulsion, advocating for me during parent-teachermeetings, and challenging anyone who doubted me. She fought tirelessly for me,ensuring I had a voice when no one else would listen.

At the start of 12th grade, Sameenasuggested I pursue higher studies in The US, a step that changed everything. Itwasn’t an easy road. I had to convince my college to provide the necessarypredicted grades and certificates, and once again, Sameena took it upon herselfto advocate on my behalf. Her belief in me never wavered.

When my 12th-grade exams were over, I wasaccepted into a prestigious university. Sameena even flew with me to The US tohelp me settle in, despite her own busy schedule. She taught me the essentialsof independent living and guided me to make decisions for myself. For the firsttime, I was on my own, forced to confront who I was and what I wanted to be. Itwas terrifying, but it was also liberating.

The initial months in The US werechallenging. I struggled with loneliness and couldn’t find the right friends.Many times, I considered giving up and returning home. But I pushed through,and once I started understanding myself, everything began to fall into place.Now, I’m excelling in my studies, collaborating on projects with professors andcompanies, and looking forward to each new day. Also most importantly got backinto the sport i loved: Football.

I’m still a work in progress, but I knowthat with time and hard work, I’ll become the person I aspire to be.

I owe everything to Sameena. Herunwavering support saved me and helped me realize my potential. This story, andany success that follows, is a testament to her belief in me. Thank you forgiving me the opportunity to share my journey.

Our Journey with Kinu: A Story of Progress and Gratitude

Our son, Kinu, was born in March 2019 through a normal delivery, and he reached all developmental milestones on time until he turned 2. My husband and I, both working parents in Bangalore, moved to Bihar during the COVID-19 lockdown in April 2021. During this time, due to the lack of house help and our busy schedules, Kinu had more screen time than usual. While he picked up alphabets, numbers, and colors from TV, we noticed a significant delay in his speech development, and he struggled with conversational communication.

When we returned to Bangalore in December 2021, we enrolled Kinu in a playgroup in January 2022. However, his poor eye contact and limited social interactions raised immediate concerns. By June 2022, his Montessori school recommended a developmental assessment, which confirmed that Kinu was on the mild autism spectrum.

The initial months following the diagnosis were challenging. Finding the right speech and occupational therapy providers was difficult due to long waiting lists and travel constraints. Although we enrolled Kinu in therapy, progress was slow. It was only when we started working with Ms. Sameena, a special educator with a personalized and compassionate approach, that we saw a breakthrough.

Ms. Sameena quickly identified Kinu's strengths and used them to guide his development. Under her expert guidance, we began implementing strategies to foster Kinu’s verbal communication. This included creating regular opportunities for him to engage verbally, using visual aids to reinforce understanding, and encouraging him to express his needs and wants. The results were remarkable.

One of the biggest challenges Kinu faced was maintaining focus during activities. With Ms. Sameena's guidance, we introduced structured activities and applied positive reinforcement techniques, which led to a marked improvement in Kinu’s ability to concentrate and actively participate in learning.

Ms. Sameena also provided invaluable support to us as parents, helping us manage Kinu’s behavior and structure our daily routines in a way that best supported his development. She guided us in creating a more focused and nurturing environment, which allowed Kinu to flourish.

Today, Kinu has made tremendous progress. He has improved his verbal communication, actively participates in structured activities, started reading at the age of 4, and is now sleeping independently in his own room. These milestones have brought a sense of balance and joy to our family, and we are deeply grateful for the progress Kinu has made.

"I am truly grateful for the kindness, guidance, and unwavering support that Ms. Sameena has brought into our lives. Her presence has been an integral part of our journey, making a profound difference in Kinu's development and our family's well-being. Thank you, Sameena, for your positivity, dedication, and for being such an important part of our lives."

This version strengthens the message by emphasizing Kinu's transformation, the positive impact of Sameena's support, and the gratitude felt by the family, while also maintaining the authenticity of the journey.

Confrontation with Reality

It was August 2021. My son was nearly 18 months old, and my father was playing with him in the living room. Holding a rattle in his hand, my father tossed it just out of my son’s reach and called out to him.

“Go get it,” he said, encouraging him to fetch the toy. He repeated my son’s name over and over—ten, maybe fifteen times—but there was no response.

Finally, my father looked up at me. “He’s not listening. Something’s wrong. We should do something.”

I didn’t fully understand what he meant, but something in his tone unsettled me. Wanting to prove him wrong, I called my son’s name, hopeful he would respond to me if he hadn’t to my father. I repeated his name again and again—each call growing more desperate. But my son didn’t budge.

That’s when it hit me. My son wasn’t doing what a child his age should have been doing.

The Struggle

The realization that my son was not meeting age-appropriate milestones was devastating. Trust me, as a mother, that’s something you never want to hear—or accept.

It’s harder than one could imagine. I plunged into retrospection, analysis, and self-blame. Why him? Why me? I had always been so smart—was this genetic? Could it have been something I did? The guilt was overwhelming. I blamed myself for not spending enough time with him during COVID. I kept thinking, If only I had read those parenting books, I might have caught this earlier.

This guilt stayed with me for a long time—and, to be honest, it haunts me even today.

I remember going to my son’s pediatrician, a senior doctor in his sixties, and asking, “He’ll be alright, won’t he?” Desperation filled my voice, hoping for even a glimmer of reassurance that the diagnosis could somehow be reversed.

Looking back, I feel ashamed of my ignorance. No one had taught me about these things. Why wasn’t this discussed as openly as vaccines?

Then came the struggle of finding ways to “fix” it—imagine, “fixing” my child. I didn’t realize then that there was nothing to “fix.” If anything, I had to adjust my own thinking and beliefs.

Have you ever been in a classroom where everything the teacher says goes over your head? That’s exactly how I felt in those sessions with pediatric psychiatrists. One well-known doctor even told me that I had “rewired” my child to be autistic by exposing him to hours of screen time during the pandemic.

Yes, I now know screen time is harmful at that age, but I didn’t know it then. As a working mother with no help during COVID, the TV was my way of keeping him engaged. Even as I write this, I feel a wave of guilt.

To anyone reading this: Don’t tell parents what they did wrong. Trust me, they didn’t wish for it. They did their best with what they knew.

The Market

Once the diagnosis was clear, I was bombarded with suggestions for therapies—occupational, speech, special education, and more. I had no clue what any of it meant, but I felt compelled to start immediately. I was desperate for a magical solution to bring my son “up to speed.”

Therapy felt like a market. Centers operated like businesses, selling their services without empathy. “Per day sessions or monthly package?” they’d ask, as though my son was a transaction.

I started therapy at a well-known, expensive center far from home. I paid for the sessions and the commute, not knowing what to expect. But here’s the truth: It wasn’t working.

Every time I asked about my son’s progress, I was met with generic responses like, “These kids do that” or “You should get used to it.” It was as though they wanted me to stay in the dark so I’d keep coming back.

After hopping from one center to another, I realized the pattern. A prominent “expert” would evaluate the child, make grand promises, take the payment, and then hand your child off to inexperienced staff. These young therapists, fresh out of college, followed rote plans without considering my child’s needs.

The waiting area became a space where parents like me sat, silently hoping for miracles, wishing our children could somehow be like other “normal” kids.

But what is “normal,” really? Is it just what society deems acceptable?

The Growth

After countless disappointments, I finally met Sameena—my son’s therapist. She introduced me to an entirely new approach—or should I say, the right approach?

Sameena pulled me out of the mess I was in. She taught me to focus on my son’s potential rather than viewing him through the lens of labels like “these kids.” She made me realize that for my son to grow, I had to grow first.

Growth, for me, has been twofold. On one hand, I see my son evolving every day. On the other, I’ve grown as a person and as a parent.

Growth means shifting my focus from How do I stop this behavior? to Why is this behavior happening? Growth is letting my son have his tantrums and giving him space to process his emotions, rather than stifling them because it’s “embarrassing.”

And when we give our children that space, they start to take responsibility for their behavior.

The Hope

My son is growing every day, and though the road ahead is long, I’m confident we’ll get there—together. This confidence comes from being more connected with my son and finding joy in his progress, no matter how small.

He’s no longer forced into therapy centers. He’s learning at his own pace, in his own way. And for that, I will always be grateful to Sameena.

I hope my son grows up to be self-sufficient and compassionate—a person who navigates the world with confidence and kindness. And perhaps, like his teacher Sameena, he’ll one day give back to the world with the same generosity and care she has shown us.

Ms. Singh
India

Our daughter, Nanya was diagnosed with growth retardation and microcephaly a few weeks before her birth in June 2017. Soon after her birth, we started noticing delays in her milestones like lack of social smile, poor neck holding, lack of eye fixation and when she turned 5 months old, we started her physical therapy hoping for early intervention to help with her delays. We were fortunate to have found a good pediatric physiotherapist who worked with Nanya and slowly but surely, she started achieving her gross motor milestones. Nanya started walking without support by 2-2.5 years.

Our initial struggles were lack of a proper and adequate medical guidance and a concrete diagnosis for her Global Developmental Delay. Poor coordination between medical professionals and therapists and poor parent training, education, counselling were frustrating challenges we faced during the initial few years of Nanya’s childhood. We went blindly in the directions some therapists and doctors (who often had contradicting opinions on the course of action) pushed us. On hindsight, we realized we should have been referred to the right experts timely and should have been equipped with much more information, knowledge and practical training on how to support our daughter better at home as parents. We still kept working with different teams (vision rehabilitation, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist) to help Nanya catch up with her developmental delays. Seeing our only daughter miss her developmental milestones and attending multiple intervention sessions has been an extremely emotional journey for us as parents. Also during this ordeal, Nanya could not get the regular childhood environment other kids enjoy.

During this period, we got genetic testing done and got a positive diagnosis of a rare genetic condition our daughter has which is understood to probably be the cause of her symptoms. However, there are still questions left unanswered in terms of the appropriate medical interventions and prognosis for our child due to lack of evidence based literature.
Slowly but steadily, with constant support of professionals, we started seeing improvement in our daughter, she stopped drooling, started forming initial words, her receptive language improved, she started running and jumping. Nanya is a very compliant, very gentle and loving child with a lot of warmth. Her love for music, her pleasing nature, great special awareness were the positives for us to focus on during this journey. 

When Nanya turned 4.5- 5 years, we decided to enrol her in a school. This was right after the second wave of covid pandemic got over. Again, we were struggling to choose a school which could cater to her unique needs. Moreover, most schools had refused admission to our daughter. Meeting with Sameena was by chance (or some higher force was guiding us in the right direction). When we started seeing Sameena, a developmental specialist doctor had very insensitively declared that our child will never speak, never socially interact, never be independent, is severely intellectually challenged, lacked even basic understanding of concepts and will never be able to attend school. We felt devastated, anxious and emotionally fragile. 

Sameena gave us the confidence boost and support when we most needed it. She made us believe in ourselves and develop trust in Nanya’s abilities. She started working with us from the very basics like what should a timetable for Nanya look like, how should we train her to be more responsible and why it is important to expect more from her and treat her like a ‘big girl’. She visited us at home many times to closely observe us and slowly trained us to change our home environment, interaction style and strategies with Nanya to help her become confident in herself and start her journey towards becoming independent. Sameena started Nanya on a school readiness program. As a result, when Nanya started school, there were no teething troubles that some other parents go through with their special kids during this transition to schooling – in terms of unsettling behaviours.
We realized the only way forward was to gather ourselves up, focus on actions and develop a sense of purpose – a determination to see her independent in her life. We were fortunate to have also found a school that not only accepted Nanya but also was instrumental in her learning new concepts and skills.

With regular sessions with Sameena and schooling, Nanya has shown tremendous progress. Sameena broke down every process in simple steps for us to enable Nanya to follow through with tasks. Anytime we have faced a roadblock, Sameena has helped us with her guidance, be it behaviours, resistance to learning, poor frustration tolerance or poor structured paly time at home. Nanya is happiest in the evenings when we take her for her “Sameena” time. She is now following complex commands, is receptive to learning, has a happy disposition, her confidence has improved, her negative behaviors are fast disappearing. We are seeing her forming lots of words and sometimes she surprises us with 3-4 word phrases. She is learning to take responsibility and finish her daily tasks and also participates in household chores. She is also slowly learning new concepts in academics.

We have a long journey ahead of us and it is not going to be an easy one. But, we are now confident that with consistent hard work and a positive outlook, love and care, we should be able to make our child independent in her life.

We feel deeply grateful to all her therapists, teachers, mentors and doctors who have contributed to her journey and continue to do so, through their guidance and support. I am strongly hopeful that Nanya’s future is going to be bright and would like to highlight the importance of early intervention for our kids. It is also very important for parents to be informed, empowered and trained to be able to support their kids in the best possible way through effective and winning strategies as they are the strongest well-wishers of their kids. It is the need of the hour to have a guide book or a manual as a go to book for parents during this treacherous journey to make it easier for us. I am thankful to Sameena for integrating her decades of experience of working with hundreds of children like my daughter and presenting it as a book for scores of struggling families like us who feel directionless and uncertain of future.

Vinita
Bangalore / Mumbai

From the very beginning, our daughter has been a bundle of energy—vibrant, active, and constantly on the move. Keeping up with her enthusiasm was a joy, but overtime, we began to feel the strain. She found it difficult to sit still or focus on tasks, and her energy seemed boundless. Naturally, we wanted to meet her needs and nurture her growth, but the demands eventually left us—and her—feeling exhausted.

Her sleep patterns became unpredictable, and she started resisting our efforts to explain things calmly, often throwing intense tantrums that felt impossible to manage. The loose schedule we had been following became increasingly erratic, leaving us unsure of how to help her.

We began to wonder if her behaviors were signaling something deeper. Was there a neurodiversity we weren’t recognizing? Were there challenges she couldn’t express? Feeling unsure and seeking guidance, we turned to Sameena ma’am, who offered us the understanding and direction we so desperately needed.

Through her insights, we began to see the underlying issues and the ways we could help. She helped us see the situation more clearly, pointing out how our engagement patterns with our daughter might also be contributing to some of her struggles. She provided us with practical techniques to create structure and predictability for our daughter. Now, we follow a clear schedule with consistent routines, which has been a game-changer for our family.

One of the most significant shifts has been in our daughter’s sleep. With Ma’am’s guidance, her sleep patterns have improved dramatically, and she now sleeps peacefully in her own bed. Her tantrums and crying over minor frustrations have reduced significantly.

We’ve also introduced purposeful activities into her day that have improved her ability to sit still, focus, and engage. It’s heartwarming to see her channeling her energy into learning and growing in new ways.

This journey has taught us that nurturing a child’s unique needs requires dedication, patience, and the courage to seek help when needed. We’re hopeful for her future, determined to continue supporting her development, and inspired by the progress she’s made.

Toother parents navigating similar challenges: take heart. Step up, take responsibility, and embrace the opportunity to help your superhero thrive. With the right tools and guidance, amazing transformations are possible.

Parent of a Toddler

Dec 2024

From Struggles to Success: My Journey with Sameena Ma’am

My name is Yuvik, and I am a Grade 7 student at Vidya Shilp Academy. I have been at this school since Grade 1, where we never had exams. While I was a good listener, I always struggled with reading and writing.

In the earlier grades, I used to try to write what the teacher wrote, but I could never finish copying, and my work always remained incomplete. I avoided handing over my notebook for correction and managed to go unnoticed until Grade 5. The teachers never seemed to care much about what I did. They just wanted the class to be quiet, and I stayed quiet, which helped me blend in.

At parent-teacher meetings, the feedback was always the same: “He needs to do better,” or “There are concerns with some assignments.” That’s when my mother decided to put me through various tuitions. I went to many tutors, and they all tried to help me—but nothing worked. I felt broken, damaged, and hopeless.

It wasn’t easy, and I felt like I would never improve.

Then my mother found Sameena Ma’am, and everything changed in ways I could never imagine. She is a very special teacher. The way she teaches is so different—it’s fun, engaging, and it works.

I have become faster at reading and writing, and, unbelievably, my handwriting has improved! I can now spell without fear. She taught me to spell and read with such ease that even I am amazed when I see my good scores on written work or pick up any book and read it with confidence.

More than just academics, Sameena Ma’am has taught me to respect myself and be grateful for my family. I enjoy her sessions and have fun with her and the other students. Today, I feel like a completely different person.

I believe in myself now and have started to dream about my future. Recently, I even joined the school band, which makes me so proud of myself. I think I might even be prouder than Sameena Ma’am or my parents are!

I like learning differently, and I will always be grateful to Sameena Ma’am for helping me become the person I am today.

Yuvik Grade 7 
Vidya Shilp Academy 

Our Journey Through Medical Challenges and Finding Help
My elder daughter, age 9, recently experienced two hospital admissions due to a persistent cough. During the second admission, she was diagnosed with Hypersensitive Pneumonitis (HP) and was prescribed high doses of steroids.
During her hospital stay, doctors would conduct daily rounds and discuss her condition in her presence, often expressing concern about her slow recovery. Their discussions about HP in front of her caused her significant anxiety, leading to sleepless nights for both of us. When I raised these concerns, the doctor prescribed anxiety medication for her. While the medication helped her sleep the first night, researching its side effects left me worried.
Over the next few days, I noticed concerning changes in my daughter's behavior. She became increasingly confused, overly inquisitive, and started behaving unusually - likely side effects of both the steroids and anxiety medication. She began seeking excessive attention and acting more dependent. Upon discharge, the doctors recommended consulting a child psychiatrist from the same hospital, but they weren't available when we tried to schedule an appointment.
After returning home, the situation worsened. My daughter refused to attend school and demanded to be treated like a toddler, despite being nine. That's when we found Ms. Sameena.
Ms. Sameena's Approach and Impact:
• She promptly scheduled an appointment after hearing our situation
• Within minutes of meeting my daughter, she accurately assessed the anxiety and confusion
• Instead of directly counseling my child, she focused on teaching us, the parents, long-term management strategies
• She provided effective disciplinary techniques that showed immediate results
• Helped me balance attention between both my daughters (ages 9 and 7)
• Addressed my own anxiety and confusion about parenting

Positive Outcomes:
1. My daughter goes to school without a second thought
2. Both girls now sleep in their own room (previously they slept with us)
3. They follow instructions without complaints
4. My elder daughter's anxiety levels decreased significantly
5. We were able to gradually reduce her anxiety medication
6. Our home environment became more structured and organized
Ms. Sameena helped transform our family dynamics and taught us effective parenting skills. I highly recommend her services to any parents struggling with child-related issues or relationship concerns. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping us become a more harmonious family.
Thank you, Ms. Sameena, for improving both our parenting skills and family relationships.

Parent Writeup
Emilypriya@hotmail.com

Hi, My name is Haripriya. 

My son who is 6 years old has been diagnosed with ADHD. We have been getting complaints from the school regarding his impulsive behaviour and was suggested to take him for group sessions. While going through the nearby therapy centers, we got to know about Sameena ma'am and the journey started from there. 

It has been very few months that the sessions have started and we have seen tremendous improvement in my son. He has calmed down a lot and also his concentration levels have improved. His relation with his younger sister who is 1.5 yrs old has also been improved which was not there before due to insecurity issues. Sameena ma'am’s suggestions have helped us a lot in terms of controlling his behavior at home and building a bond between the siblings. 

She was always available to help us out in all the challenging situations and was suggesting different approaches to deal with it. 

My son’s approach has also now changed towards the way he interacts with us now. She has been helping in his overall development. 

Thanks to Sameena ma'am for guiding and helping us in every step possible and in hoping to have a better future for my son.

Parent Google Review

Haripriya 

Priya.vishnuvajhala23@gmail.com

Our Journey with Himalaya: A Game of Snakes and Ladders

Every parent has a unique journey in raising their child, a path full of hopes, dreams, and unexpected twists. Ours, with our beloved son Himalaya, has been nothing short of transformative—marked by challenges, triumphs, and a profound learning experience.

We were overjoyed when Himalaya came into our lives, our flower bud blossoming in ways that filled us with pride and hope. As an infant, he seemed to check all the developmental boxes, showing promising fine motor skills. But when he turned two, something began to change. Although he could sing nursery rhymes with us and even with Alexa, his connection to us seemed to slip away. Eye contact became fleeting, his engagement grew minimal, and his attempts at speech stagnated. It was as if he were retreating into a world of his own.

Our concerns grew as we saw him struggling to connect, to communicate his needs. Frustration turned into aggression, and helplessness settled in as we watched him struggle. We spoke to doctors, underwent multiple assessments, and heard terms like sensory issues, hypersensitivity, and dyspraxia thrown around. But each diagnosis felt like more weight than guidance, and as his parents, we felt completely lost in the noise.

Therapies were recommended—sensory, speech, occupational therapy, and more. Each call from these centers promised answers but left us more overwhelmed. We wanted to help our child, not rush him through a system. So, instead of diving into every therapy suggested, we took a step back. We decided to seek a more thoughtful path forward.

That’s when we found Positive-Solutions. Through online parent coaching sessions, we began learning practical, compassionate strategies to support Himalaya. These sessions became our anchor, teaching us tools we could use at home to help Himalaya express himself, manage his frustrations, and find joy in connection. Slowly, we realized that patience—our patience—would be our strongest tool.

Himalaya was attending regular school, where teachers noticed his struggle to make eye contact or interact with other children. At home, we used simple, structured activities to help him develop focus and independence. We started with just three minutes at a time—three minutes of sitting across from us, transferring water, playing with kitchen utensils, or handling kinetic sand. These were small moments, yet they felt monumental. Gradually, Himalaya’s engagement improved; he began responding to his name, making eye contact, and showing excitement to play.

Each success felt like climbing a ladder, but we knew the snakes of regression and frustration still lurked. Despite the challenges, Himalaya’s milestones brought us hope. His attention span grew, his sitting tolerance improved, and he even started showing interest in drawing and fine motor activities. School-readiness, something that once felt so distant, was now a realistic goal.

But this journey wasn't without setbacks. The school, concerned about his social skills and emotional outbursts, suggested we pursue therapy from specialized centers. We reluctantly agreed, and that experience was a wake-up call. The therapy center, though reputable, approached Himalaya’s needs in a way that felt commercialized and impersonal. It was exhausting, stressful, and left us feeling even more disconnected from our child’s unique journey. Himalaya, too, showed signs of distress, recoiling at the very mention of therapy sessions.

After that disheartening experience, we realized we had found the right path with Positive-Solutions all along. Their approach wasn't about forcing our child into a mold; it was about embracing his individuality and supporting him in ways that respected his pace.

Today, we see the results of our patience and dedication. Himalaya’s school performance has improved significantly—he excels in academics and sports without needing a shadow teacher. He’s a confident reader, often chosen to give speeches, and he’s even a popular friend among his classmates. Other parents approach us, sharing how their children love spending time with him and want playdates. The joy and pride we feel in these moments are beyond words.

In many ways, our journey with Himalaya has been like a game of Snakes and Ladders. Each time we feel we're climbing, a setback or tantrum can pull us down, reminding us of the patience required. Himalaya’s natural curiosity is both his strength and his sensitivity; if he’s not prepared for what’s coming, anxiety overtakes him. Now, we pre-alert him about changes, setting clear expectations to ease his transitions. This approach has strengthened our bond, creating a level of trust and understanding that brings us closer.

Himalaya has achieved milestones we once thought were distant dreams. He’s learned to swim, skate, and is even picking up tennis. At school, he’s able to listen, follow instructions, and manage his daily routines independently. He communicates in sentences now, expressing likes and dislikes, and each day brings new expressions of his growing independence.

If you ask me what truly worked, I can’t pinpoint a single task or tool. It was the approach—the unwavering guidance, the faith Positive-Solutions had in us even when we were uncertain, and the hope that grew as we saw Himalaya’s progress. We are endlessly grateful for the encouragement and support that led us through every step of this journey.

To every parent on a similar path, know this: each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. For us, each ladder climbed with Himalaya is a testament to love, patience, and resilience.

Parent Writeup

Shubhangi

Badamankita@gmail.com

 "My Journey Through Darkness and Into Light"

The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered underlying issues I had suppressed. During 11th-grade online classes, I spiraled into boredom, laziness, and disappointment. Feeling stuck, I questioned my ability to achieve goals.

Seeking help, I consulted a therapist. Initially, sessions seemed helpful, but I now realize I falsely believed in the progress. Then, my therapist suddenly ghosted me, leaving me feeling lost, guilty, and bewildered.

Determined, I approached a psychiatrist. After numerous tests, I was diagnosed with high anxiety and ADHD. Therapy with the psychiatrist's colleague, a psychologist, followed. However, sessions were confusing, and conflicting diagnoses overwhelmed me.

The experience with two therapists left me emotionally shattered and financially drained. Feeling hopeless, I considered living with my issues. That's when I met Sameena.

Sameena's approach was refreshingly different. She identified anxiety stemming from academic struggles and nervousness. Through simple strategies—time management, affirmations, and recall techniques—she empowered me to overcome challenges.

With Sameena's guidance, I've made significant progress, surpassing previous therapists and doctors. Regular in-person sessions improved my mental well-being, leaving me relaxed, connected with family, and excited about life.

Thank you, Sameena, for supporting me on life's journey. Your compassionate approach and practical tools are invaluable. I'm grateful to have found a true partner in mental wellness.

1st hand experience of a 21 years old, Student of  St. Joseph’s University,  Bangalore 

This episode took place almost 16-17 years ago when my son must have been around 4 years of age.
His teacher at school had conveyed to me hesitatingly that he might be having issues with numbers as he was unable to proceed beyond ‘3’! So she told me to revise numbers with him on a regular basis and hope it would get sorted.
I had seen the film ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and was petrified at the thought of dealing with learning disabilities.
I thankfully had Sameena as my childhood friend, in the same city as me. I distinctly remember, staying with her during the weekend while she assessed my son.
Much to my relief, she had laughingly told me that he was just facing a hurdle with numbers which could be overcome easily if dealt with, methodically.
Not only did she take sessions with my son, but she also guided me how to teach him numbers The technique, teaching aids and even the correct facial expressions and tone of voice, were as per her instructions.

 
Might seem unbelievable to many but within a month of patient teaching not only did my son recognize all the numbers, he also could do single digit addition and subtraction!
This is what she can do! Forever indebted to her, as my son’s favorite and highest scoring subject been mathematics ever since:)

Today we are proud to say he is studying Law in Kings College in UK

minakshigrg1472@gmail.com

I cannot express enough how exceptional Sameena mam has been in her role. Her compassion towards children is evident in every interaction, and it is truly heartwarming to witness. I had been experiencing a period of stagnation in my child’s progress, feeling somewhat lost and worried. She stepped in and made a remarkable difference in just a couple of days. 

Under her guidance, my child is not only regaining confidence but also seems genuinely happy. The small, consistent changes she implements have had an impact on my child's development. Each tweak she makes, no matter how minor it seems, brings about significant improvements. It's as though she has a unique ability to see exactly what my child needs and how best to provide it. Moreover, she extends her care and concern beyond the child to their parents as well. She is always thinking about how she can foster betterment, not just in the child’s day-to-day activities but also in the overall family dynamics.

This comprehensive care has instilled a sense of security and optimism in both my child and me. Long way to go. But I am sure I am on the right path. I am confident that she will continue to be a beacon of hope and progress for many others.

Snjsv.2121@gmail.com  

It's been an amazing journey with Sameena Mam & Positive Solution.

She not only understand the need of the kid but also provide a better mindset for the parents. It was a very difficult journey when we started and got to know about the challenge my kid was facing. Sameena not only help my kid to develop and overcome the challenges but also helped along me & my wife at every step to grow as a Parent. We have seen remarkable progress, changes in my son, which we didn't thought some months back. And me & my wife will always be grateful to Sameena & Positive Solution for this.
My Son not only overcame multiple challenges but doing much better in some of the areas than other kids of his age. Its still a journey but we are now more confident and positive for the future because of Sameena & Positive Solution.

A kid is a most precious thing for any Parent and when someone not just help you but guide you in best possible way to take care of your kid and help to overcome the obstacles, you can't ask for more.

Sameena & Positive Solution is truly a blessing in our life.

Kunal Jaiswal (kunaljaiswal2009@gmail.com) 

Hi,

I am Camelia, mom of 5.6-year-old Priyansh, my son.  I want to share  the challenges and daily struggles I have faced and how I emerged from a dark pit, regaining my lost hope with the guiding light of my son’s mentor and teacher. Being a parent, being a mother, is a boon in every woman's life, and I was blessed to have my son in 2018. Life seemed perfect, of course, with parental duties making it a different transition altogether. However, the journey that started with so much happiness and perfection was not as smooth as it appeared in the initial two years after my son’s birth.

Once Priyansh turned two, and as COVID-19 took a gigantic form worldwide, we found ourselves confined to our homes, out of touch with our loved ones, and the real struggle began. My husband and I were already aware by then that our son, although having hit all his physical milestones, was lacking in his speech and age-appropriate intelligence. We were advised by the pediatrician to consult a speech therapist for these issues. By the time he was three, Priyansh could barely say more than “mummy” and “papa.” On top of that, he had anger issues, tantrums, and remained detached and unsocial with anyone apart from us.

We started therapy, but it yielded no results. The therapy sessions made him more cranky, taking away his inner peace. He cried through the entire 45-minute sessions, so I decided to take a call and stopped the sessions, choosing instead to spend more time with him. I turned to various online parenting resources, as discussing with elderly people wasn’t helpful due to the vast differences in upbringing across generations.

On my journey as a mom, I made several mistakes:

Not allowing my child to do things he was capable of, acting as his helper for every small task he could have done himself. For example, I never encouraged him to eat by himself, fearing he might make his surroundings dirty.
Excessive screen time, believing it would help him learn faster through pictures rather than reading, writing, or talking to him.
Comparing my child to other kids his age who were hitting their milestones, instead of understanding that each child grows at their own pace. I should have focused on his strengths and worked on his weaknesses.
Missing opportunities for him to engage with others, thinking I could handle everything alone, which led to goofing up his developmental years. I should have asked for help instead of crying over our fate.
There were probably many other reasons I overlooked, thinking things would improve over time, but they actually worsened. At this point, I enrolled Priyansh with Miss Sameena, who was the head of the school Priyansh studied in. She was running a company called Positive Solutions, where she works on training children struggling to cope with age-appropriate skills. Following her advice, which was to take responsibility at home, make changes in the home environment, and build a relationship of work and play with my son, I worked with her presentation of ideas and plans exactly as guided. I see much improvement in Priyansh’s behavior, social skills, and patience.

He may not be able to make up stories or write paragraphs yet, but at 5.6 years, he is slowly and steadily picking up instructions and talking in sentences. He is now doing what a three-year-old should be able to communicate. He has also started writing alphabets, numbers, and gaining basic knowledge of patterns, logical reasoning, coloring, identifying shapes, and colors. I am hopeful that with continuous effort, practice, and small changes in routine, things will take a good shape.

I am trying every possible way to keep Priyansh engaged in daily chores and activities, whether it’s shaping dough, helping in the kitchen, watering plants, coloring, folding clothes, doing indoor exercises and games, playing puzzles, or giving him playtime in the park. He enjoys physical activities more than communication, so I focus on interactive communication. With Miss Sameena’s guidance and my daily efforts, I am confident my child will overcome this tough period.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey.

Best regards,
Camelia
Email id: camelia3cc@gmail.com

Sameena Maam is very motivating and understanding counsellor. She's the one who motivated me in my exams and that's why i got good marks in my exams. Whenever I come to her house she always smiles at me and she spends time with me and whenever I am angry or sad she understands my problems.

I am thankful to have a counsellor like her.  I am becoming independent and she makes me laugh all the time. She is charming and motivating and I am becoming smart and I am doing my exercises because she has taught me to be responsible for myself, so I follow a timetable and do my own things, myself. 

Be the same motivating self, Sameena Maam

Written by Sameeraj  Prakhyaat
(13 years)
The Princeton School, Bangalore.

Sameena Maam  is my teacher. She has more interactive games , we get to learn all other things. We don't need to study much but learn a lot. In focus activities we do things that will help us learn. And teaches us smaller lessons that will help us in our future life. 
In things which children don't want to do, the games help us to want to learn more. 
And she is very creative. She helps us to be fearless and confident. There is more - she helps and  teaches us what we need to do with other things and she helps us to be fast as learning in a fun way. 
All the lessons she teaches us are useful in life.
I am braver than before.

She is kind and tells us to improve in life and i am coping with my school class very fast. 

I am eager to learn more in life to become a car collector and have a better life.

Roshith Jagath 

(10 years old) 
Greefiled Public school

My entire life changed because of Sameena mam.

Previously, I felt like I shouldn't focus on anything or pay attention to anyone. I put on a fake smile everywhere so people wouldn't feel bad. Even when I got terrible marks on my final annual exam, I didn't shed a tear or show any sign of guilt, unlike others who would break down in tears of guilt and sorrow. My parents didn't realize that I felt guilty but didn't show it. They wondered why I smiled, even though it was fake, and thought that I didn't care about anything.

This all changed when I met Sameena mam. I used to pretend to be interested on the outside but didn't pay attention on the inside. When I joined Sameena mam's tuition, I assumed she would be like all the other "teachers" who focus only on studies and don't care about my well-being or make learning fun. Oh boy, I was horribly wrong. During the first few weeks of classes, I got the feeling that she understood me better than anyone else. She made learning entertaining and helped me improve my stuttering habits. Her humor was something I cherished, and I could only wish for a teacher like her.

I cannot be more thankful to Sameena mam for making me realize the true value of life and how adventurous it can be. She taught me the real meaning of life, and for that, I cannot repay the impact she has had on me. However, I think she needs to curb her craving for chocolates—but I think I should keep that to myself.

Absolutely grateful,

Ashrith Baggam 
Grade 9 IGCSE, Delhi Public School Bangalore North, Bangalore,
Karnataka, India.

(Gmail- ashrithbaggam12@gmail.com)

The Extraordinary Journey of Skanda 
A writeup by  💕 Vani - Proud Mother Of Skanda 💕

Skanda was born as a healthy child

By the age of three, his teachers noticed subtle delays in his fine mortar skills in school.

After consulting specialists, he was diagnosed as differently-abled and wasn't able to cope up with attention in the school like any other child.

While the news was shocking, I as a mother refused to let the label define my son.

I poured her heart into helping Skanda.

I spent sleepless nights researching therapies, physiotherapies, worked tirelessly on his motor skills, and became his biggest cheerleader.

Meanwhile, I happened to meet Sameena miss who had vast experience in handling, counselling and nurturing kids and she wasa ray of hope for me. She played role of a Torch bearer

In addition to regular schooling I enrolled him with Sameena maam, where Skanda grew as a promising boy with good communication, mingling with other kids and learning etiquettes.

Mrs Sameena had a unique way of connecting with children. She saw potential where others saw limitations.

I taught him for cycling and other athletics events.

Observing enthusiasm for running, I encouraged him to join athletics training
I took Skanda to various competition events.

Though Skanda initially struggled to even complete a lap, the coach, the school teacher Bellamin Sir and I patiently worked with him, designing exercises tailored to his abilities.

Under the unwavering support, Skanda's confidence began to soar.
My daily schedule was to wake up at 4.00 am, preparing food for everyone at home including in-laws and to prepare Skanda for school and during weekends
to accompany Skanda for practice, cheering him on during every stumble and every small victory.

Meanwhile, I instilled discipline and resilience in him, never allowing him to give up.

Years passed, and Skanda transformed into a remarkable athlete winning over 25 Medals in Sprint and Relays.

My ambition is to make him represent his state/National-level para-athletics competition.

Standing on the podium to with a gold medal around his neck, Skanda joyfully dedicated his victory to me who believed in him when no one else did. My tears flowed in, in Joy

We all stood in the crowd beaming with pride.

My daughter Akhila who is a Software Engineer too put up her best efforts in accompanying him to various events

I didn't just shaped an athlete in him but had nurtured a spirit that could overcome any challenge.

Skanda's journey became an inspiration to countless others, proving that with love, determination, and guidance, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

Sameena Ma’am is a truly inspiring and transformative individual. Her innate ability to find positive solutions for every challenge is a quality that I deeply appreciate. Over the years, she has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. I first approached her during my grade 10 struggles, and now, as I navigate through grade 12, she continues to be an invaluable guide.

Facing difficulties in my day-to-day activities and studies, Sameena Ma’am has helped me unearth my true capabilities. Her straightforward and concise approach to problem-solving, coupled with a readiness to explore alternative methods, has allowed me to discover latent talents I was unaware of. Under her guidance, I transitioned from struggling to focus for 30 minutes to willingly embracing my studies without external pressure.

What sets Sameena Ma’am apart is her holistic approach to personal development. She has not only helped me academically but has also contributed to my emotional, physical, and social growth. Gratefulness fills me as I reflect on the profound impact she has had on my life.

Sameena Ma’am adopts a modern and realistic approach to problems, avoiding unrealistic expectations or goals. The routines and plans she designs are not just achievable but instill a belief that I possess untapped potential. Overall, her guidance has molded me into a better version of myself.

I am particularly thankful for her willingness to take me into her home during grade 12, creating an environment that alleviated fear and anxiety. This shift positively impacted my learning and retention capabilities. With newfound faith in myself, coupled with my parents' trust, I feel a profound sense of happiness and accomplishment. Thank you so much, Ma’am!

These are skills I will take into my life ahead, serving as a foundation for personal and academic success in the future.

Gauraang G Rao

Bangalore (gauraangrao@gmail.com)

I went to Sameena Ma'am for advice about my future and much-needed support, and it's been a total game-changer. She took the time to get to know me, my interests, and my aspirations, and then she suggested teaching as a cool career path for me. Ever since that moment, my life has taken a thrilling turn.

My parents were completely on board with her recommendation, and now I find myself immersed in daily classes and sessions, where I'm being groomed to become a skilled teacher, just like her. It's mind-blowing because I'm acquiring knowledge and skills that I never really got the chance to learn during all my years in school in Bangalore. Looking back, I can't help but feel like I wasted a lot of my time before, but now, I'm filled with enthusiasm and motivation.

Learning has become an exhilarating experience, and I've come to understand the importance of happiness when pursuing one's goals. Sameena Ma'am is guiding me through subjects like reading, writing, math, and financial literacy (like understanding how to manage money wisely). Additionally, she's imparting essential life skills and social skills, along with computer skills, which are becoming increasingly valuable in today's world.

I genuinely can't wait for our sessions, and spending time with Ma'am over a cup of coffee is an added bonus. My parents struck gold when they found Ma'am. She's an incredible, super kind, and exceptionally generous teacher, always willing to invest her time and effort in her students. Her unwavering commitment to supporting children and their parents is truly remarkable.

Thanks to her, I've gained a fresh perspective on life, and I'm brimming with excitement about the future like never before. Sameena Ma'am is more than just a teacher; she's a mentor and a rockstar all rolled into one. And here's the coolest part—I've also learned about right and wrong from her, which is pretty darn awesome.

Rebecca Hatem Mubarak Bamehriz

Bangalore (rebccabamehriz@gmail.com)

I am happy to share my very positive experience with Ms Sameena. My daughter, who’s diagnosed with learning difficulties, has been going to her for the past few months. Our main concern was to make her independent and address some behavioral issues. Within a short time, we have seen a great deal of improvement with my daughter once Ms Sameena started working with her. What’s impressive is how quickly she understood the issue and immediately started working with my daughter to help get her back on track. Her keen insights into children’s challenges and providing appropriate solutions will truly help children and parents equally on this journey. We still have some ways to go but we’re confident that under Ms Sameena’s guidance, my daughter will blossom into a fine young lady! With much gratitude!

Rukmini's Parent- Padma
Bangalore (paddy_bpie@yahoo.com)

I am Anjali and I am in 8th grade now.

I was introduced to Sameena ma’am a few months back by my mother. At first, I was told that Sameena ma’am would help me in choosing the right career, a career in which am happy, but later I found out it was actually counselling for my personal as well as professional life. 

Ma’am helped me in managing my time better and also in helping me prepare for exams in a way that would make me a first ranker. She taught me how to make time for things I want to do but don’t have the time for. She also guided me and told me a few ways in which I could stop procrastinating. 

Coming to my personal life, ma’am helped me become a more transparent person in front of everyone and now thanks to her I am closer to my mom and everyone else. I trust more people with all sides of me now.

Long story short, I appreciate her help and support. It’s good to know that there is always a person apart from my family that I can count on when I need help.

Anjali Patwari.   FIITJEE School , Hyderabad, Grade 8 (anjali.patwari08@gmail.com)

My name is Hussain and i am in Grade 8. 

I first started going to Sameena ma'am, when i was at the end of my 7th grade. I didn't go very often as i was staying in my school hostel. 

Then in the 8th grade, when i failed in 4 subjects, i started visiting Sameena Ma'am more often, almost every weekend. Since, i stay in Indiranagar and she in Jakkur.

I have met many people, made friends and most of all met a teacher , a mentor that can shape life to fruition.   Her house is like a temple, a mosque, a church or even a garden ,   wherever you get your peace of mind, her house is that for me.  

When i first met her, i wasn't sure if she was the right person to guide me into the right direction, but as they say , don't judge a book by its cover. She made me love my most hated subjects which were physics and chemistry.  She helps you connect with the lessons and chapters in such a way that you will never forget it.  That is her USP. She teaches you to become a real learner and helps develop life skills which will take you a long way. 

Her methods of getting students motivated is very unique and good. She very subtly can convert your personal poison  to your magic potion.  And that's why she taught me how to drive a manual car for the sake of me getting motivated and regain my lost faith in myself, my excitement, confidence and zeal in life. I wasn't sure if she taught me how to drive was to claim insurance so that she could get a new car or that she was trying to help me. All jokes aside she is the best person to guide you in your life and you can tell her stuff you cannot even tell your parents.

Hussain Ameerali.    Greenwood High school,  Grade 8 (hussainameerali@gmail.com)

Harshini is my eldest daughter who has borderline Autism. My family came to know
regarding the disorder, when she was two years old. We consulted multiple neurologists,
and they suggested stimulation and therapies None of the therapy centers were effective
and over a period of time my family did not see any results. Therapy was the only hope for a normal and independent life for Harshini, and the effort seemed futile. By the age of three,she had begun to speak a word or two. And an improvement over the years was noticed bythe constant effort of all family members.
When Harshini was 6, I was still searching for a therapy center or special educator. Through a google search I found Positive solutions. Going through the websites testimonials,writeups and qualifications mentioned, I was impressed and arranged for an appointment within the next two days. I was able to share all of my problems with her. My daughter began going for therapy, and during the first few classes, with permission I sat inside to observe and help when required. At this time, I decided that she is the best special educator for my daughter.
My daughter like most children, would cry at the beginning of any new class due to a change in atmosphere. Surprisingly, she didn’t cry at all. She seemed to be excited and happy to go for classes. Her speech drastically improved, and her confidence skyrocketed. She answers questions in class when asked by the teacher. She is obedient in school. We are really proud and happy with the improvement that we have seen in a short period of time. The behavioral issues are still there, but with the improvements seen, there is complete hope and faith in Harshini’s and Sameena’s capabilities for a previously unexpected “regular life.” 

I want to also express my families, and my own deep gratitude towards your
unending and focused support.

Shwetha C. S (Shwetha.yogapriya@gmail.com)

I am a student currently studying in class XI at DPS North Bangalore. I first began tuition with Sameena aunty when I was in the 8th grade. I didn't know what to expect going in for tuition the first time. I assumed that it would be the same old boring English class with the same habituated method of learning. Little did I know that the experiences that I have gained in this class would shape my future towards being a better and more successful human being. Sameena aunty's tuition was more than just an English class it was like a life skills class. Sameena aunty's tuition was the only tuition I looked forward to going to, and that's a big thing coming from a person who would do literally anything to avoid tuition. Sameena aunty Is one of the most dedicated teacher I have come across in my 10 years of being in school. Sameena aunty creates a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere for students to study in. She would stop at nothing to see her students succeed. Believe me I know from all the times she has kept me back till 11:30 pm even if I was about to fall asleep she'd make me wash my face, drink something and make me continue until I got it right. Which I look back at now I to truly admire. Sameena aunty had an unconventional method of teaching which worked for all the students. She was very blunt, she never powder coated anything she would always give it to me straight which is a quality that shaped my personality. She would always find time to include character building games which was really fun. Ex: name place animal thing which was one of my favourite games to play. But it was not all fun and games she always knew when to be stern, to make sure we achieved our goals. Sameena aunty in my opinion is not just a teacher but a friend and a guidance counsellor. When I wanted to shift from ICSE to CBSE she told me what syllabus to follow based on what I wanted to do in life. She advised me on which school to join and where to go after my 12th as well. Sameena aunty is someone you can openly confide your problems in. She was always there to support me in my times of need. Sameena aunty had the best, most wicked sense of humour ever and would always make me laugh with her sarcasm! Looking back I honestly don't know where I would be if had not gone to Sameena aunty's class. I know for sure that my results in 10th was an outcome of all her classes and late hours studying with her. And I'm positive that she will always be there to help me or anyone else for that matter. Thank you aunty for putting in so much time and effort in making me a smarter and better human being!!

Aryan Menon ( aru200014@gmail.com : grade XI, DPS North Bangalore)

Sameena Aunty , 

No one else could have been the perfect mix of care, warmth, wisdom and knowledge like you. Thank you for being there to guide me throughout. Thanks for making me intelligent and good in studies and getting a smart mind. I trust you that you will make me better, on track for the next  Assessment's and all the exams and make me pass with flying colors. Thank you for being my amazing Teacher. Your're my Inspiration.

Jasmeet  (Grade 8 student, D.P.S North)

I have been going to Sameena Aunty for about 2 and half year (from mid 8th Grade). This was around the time i decided to change to another syllabus(from CBSE to IGCSE). I went to her for advice on my subject choices and how i could cope up with this new syllabus.

My english was only up to what  CBSE expects- simple english. She taught me how i could think in various perspectives for a topic, so that my essays could be more creative. 

Changing from CBSE to IGCSE was a huge jump, especially english: as now i had 2 different papers for english: english language and english literature. She really helped me in  Shakespeare, poetry and creative writing. She totally helped me cope up with IG english. I would not have been able to do well in my board without her help. She not only helped me in english but has also helped me to make academic choices and decisions.  I have been seeking her advice and support always and will continue to do so.

Neha (neha@matheikal.com : Student of A levels, Aditi Mallya )

The task of the Modern Educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts .  This is exactly what Sameena Ma'am did. With a fixed schedule, I was able to complete my portions for my NIOS final exam, coming up in October, within two months.   
Sameena Ma'am has modified my personality. She set a timetable and a daily routine by which I get enough sleep and correctly set up breaks in between study time to increase my concentration and so that I do not lose focus. I am confident to write answers today.  
I am proud of this great achievement. 
Her classes are a mix of entertainment and seriousness. Her classes helped me increase my interest in studying.
I am ready and excited to write my final exam .
Abbas  (abbasameralli@gmail.com: Student of NIOS, Grade X  )

I’m a student currently pursuing the IB Diploma and looking to go to University this coming fall.
I first began lessons with ‘Sameena Aunty’ almost 8 years ago, when I was a student in 4th Grade. A kid who simply wanted to play video games, and tennis with his friends I’m overjoyed to say that I became a student who loved reading Books, writing stories, poetry and essays. Having spent about 6 years, diligently spending 2 hours every week, I can’t think what I would be today had I not gone for class. Whether it was practicing for a Spelling Bee, an Essay Writing competition, or just an exercise to improve my reading ability, Sameena Aunty made all these experiences exciting. The atmosphere, although stern to ensure that we focussed on our studies was also relaxed so we could communicate and help each other in class if the need ever arose. Through these classes I was pushed to realise my potential, it didn’t matter that I was in 6th Grade! I would still be asked to write essays meant for 7th/8th Graders! At that time, I wondered why it was important to know complicated words like ‘dilemma’ or how it mattered how my handwriting looked on paper! Only now I understand that without the incessant nagging about how deformed my letters looked, or having to show up with one page of handwriting practice, or not paying attention to my vocabulary, I wouldn’t be the student I am today. Looking back, I can’t comprehend how my essays would turn out today, or even how my SAT score would be had I not gone to Sameena Aunty for help.
Even today, after all these years, in spite of being in a boarding school, I still come to her for Advice academic, or otherwise. I can be assured that she will still tell me, If what I’ve written is absolutely stunning, or outrageously boring and her honesty and trust is unparalleled.

Kushal ( kushal.goenka97@gmail.com: Student)

Here is what Shriya had to say about ur class :-

Sameena aunty is very kind and understanding . She helped me learn and understand maths better. I would love the games we would play on some of the days . It was fun learning in her class.

Shriya Sreekanth (5th grade D.P.S North.)

My son Krishiv is eight years old and loves to do things out of the box. He prefers work with activities and a lot of visual stimulation but he doesn't like to write. Sameena took on Krishiv as a student for a few months and from not wanting to write at all he started looking forward to doing so as Sameena put no pressure but encouraged him to do what he was OK doing. Sameena gave him interesting methods of wanting to write and use his vivid imagination. Today we don't live in Bangalore and have moved cities but Krishiv has developed a basic way of writing that he enjoys. Thanks alot Sameena. We're very grateful.

Seema (seemashastry07@gmail.com:Parent)

My son Rishabh was in third standard at that time and he was very bad at reading and writing. He was studying at DPS North from nursery age, so the school counsellor referred me to Sameena and she definitely helped him improve his skills. We have taken three days a week with one and a half hours each day. Almost one and half years have passed now and my son is near to clearing the fourth standard and he is quite good at reading as well as at writing. I am very much satisfied with Sameena's way of teaching, her politeness with the children and parents and how she gives extra care to everyone.

Ravi (shikha_ravi@yahoo.co.in:Parent)

Sameena Zaheer has a very interesting way of teaching. Not only is she innovative, she has an innate sense of humour, which she infuses in her class- room, Adding life to every class. There are actually no dull moments in class!
My personal experience with her has been a turning point in my son's life as well as mine. My son's teacher in school was facing issues teaching him numbers and we feared the worst ! Did he have dyslexia or discalculia? I took him to Sameena for assessment and she diagnosed that he suffered from none! She used and also taught me, interesting way of teaching him numbers and within a few days, not only did he start recognizing numbers from '0-10' but also was able to perform simple arithmetical operations using those numbers! Such is the magic- wand of Sameena zaheer! A child who could have been entangled and confused due to wrong diagnosis, started walking on the right path. Currently, math is my son's favourite subject.

Minakshi (minakshigrg@yahoo.co.in:Parent)

My daughter Saloni,studying in class VI ,had suddenly started having problems in understanding science ,maths,and Language .Infact ,in every concept of education ...
The problem was being noticed but with no solution..
At that time ,I knew Sameena just as a new resident in my own lane ; knew her as a nice friendly person .
Very casually I shared my daughter's concern with her and she instantly responded ," let me give it a try ".
From there onwards ,there was no looking back ...
My daughter was neither dyslexic nor dyscalculia...It was just that she needed a different methodology and techniques of teaching ...
There was no magic wand with Sameena ...
But her consistent effort ,patience and guidance for 4 1/2 long years, made my daughter come out in flying colors (all above 90%) in her 10 Th std ..
Sameena stood by me ,supported me  in all the decisions that I took for my daughter from changing of her school ,changing her boards ...
Today my daughter is persuing B.Sc(Hons)...Though slow n steady but with complete confidence and conviction of her own self ..
I, as a mother thank Sameena Zaheer from the core of my heart for her hard work and perseverance .

Sarita (rajeshlohia69@gmail.com: Parent)