Uli K. Chettipally, MD, MPH

“I am the daughter you always wanted," said Siri, my non-speaking autistic daughter, using her letter board. This statement took me by surprise, as Siri expressed a desire for more of my time. My year of practicing with her letter board revealed a deeper meaning behind her words. Siri, our first-born, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. I sensed something was different about her long before that diagnosis. Back then, they waited until children turned 3 to provide a diagnosis. I always dreamed...

“Don’t worry dad. I am used to disappointments all my life”, said Siri, my non-speaking autistic daughter, using a letter board. That sentence hit me like a ton of bricks! Here I am, a caring and protective father, professionally successful, living in Silicon Valley, who would do anything for her happiness, sitting there helpless with tears in my eyes and the realization that I failed miserably. Siri is such a wise, caring and gentle person, beautiful both inside and out. She should not be...

“I will make you proud. I will study medicine” Siri, my non-speaking autistic daughter, expressed her aspiration to study medicine using a letter board. Questions flooded my mind: How would she communicate with patients given her significant challenges? While I recognize her intelligence, would she even be accepted into medical school? Are there others like her who have succeeded in this field?