"Parents-Academics," or A Photographer's Perspective on Child Prodigies

"Parents-Academics," or A Photographer's Perspective on Child Prodigies

Today's the Day, April 2nd - World Autism Awareness Day

It's symbolic that we're discussing "Planeta Druzei" on this very day. This organization, located in Omsk, Russia, has been lending a helping hand to parents with children who have autism, Down syndrome, and other mental impairments for 17 years now.

A Photojournalist's Journey with "Planeta Druzei"

For over a decade, professional photographer Gulnara Dzharaova has been working alongside "Planeta Druzei." Through her lens, she's had the opportunity to observe the dedicated work of the pedagogues and specialists in the organization, as well as the growth of the children affectionately named "sunshine" and "rain" kids.

The Unfiltered Chronicles

In the early 2000s, there was a scarcity of information about the lives of children with autism and Down syndrome, their care, integration into society, and so on. Inspired by this gap, Dzharaova decided to shed light on the subject using her art – photography. She wanted to make a mark in something meaningful using her talents. After connecting with one of the founders of "Planeta Druzei," Natalya Mikheinnaya, Dzharaova realized that they both shared the same vision. This marked the beginning of their joint project.

Many families, with children who have special needs, agreed to participate. A series of photo shoots took place, and a calendar featuring the images of their heroes was created. The photos were later displayed in an exhibition at "Kontinent," a cultural venue, and are now housed at "Planeta Druzei's" location on Irtyshskaya Embankment 26.

Throughout the project, Dzharaova formed connections with the families, Developing an interest in more than just the subject matter, but the people behind it. As she wasn't a pedagogue or mother to a special child, she realized she could contribute through her art, by documenting their journey, showcasing it to the world, and following the evolution of "Planeta Druzei," creating its photo history.

An Unusual Bond

Each family is unique, and the children are complex, but they all have their quirks that make them endearing. Dzharaova finds their photos to be a reflection of their lives in an honest, raw, and unadorned manner – much like the current trend in documentary photography, known as "lifestyle." Not every image may be aesthetically pleasing or “Instagram-worthy,” but they capture real life, real people.

Watching the children grow has been a remarkable experience for Dzharaova. When they began the first project, most of the children weren’t attending school, but now many of them have graduated and are productive members of society. At "Dodo-Pizza," for example, one such child, Maxim Mikheinniy, works diligently. This is just one example of how these children have integrated into mainstream society.

There have been numerous families with difficult stories, and it's heartening to witness how they persevere. It's not always easy, and things don't always go as planned. But they keep pushing through, which is commendable.

With Heart, Everything Succeeds

Often, parents with special children avoid general clinics as they don't want their child to be labeled or shuffled from one doctor to another. It's wonderful that "Planeta Druzei" offers projects where experts from various fields can provide knowledgeable and professional advice. The large consultation center, known as "The Parent's Academy," is a shining example.

Dzharaova knows a family that specifically moved to Omsk to seek regular consultations from "Planeta Druzei's" specialists as they didn't have similar resources in their hometown. This is a testament to the unique nature of the organization's specialists and the overall impact of "Planeta Druzei."

As not every family living in rural areas can travel to Omsk for consultations, specialists from "The Parent's Academy" regularly visit regions of the Omsk Oblast and conduct online consultations, making it easier for many families to access the help they require.

Patience, Persistence, and Compassion

The tireless perseverance, patience, and unwavering spirit of the specialists at "Planeta Druzei" are truly inspiring. They never give up, no matter how difficult the situation may be. They always find alternative approaches, offering solutions and support without ever losing hope.

In her interactions with these specialists, Dzharaova often witnesses heartwarming dialogues between them and the parents. After each session, they escort the children to their parents, providing detailed updates, praising their achievements, and offering encouragement. She never observes the specialists blaming the parents or criticizing their parenting skills. On the contrary, they show genuine affection and a sincere desire to help. They genuinely care for the children and are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their lives. This passion, combined with their expertise, is what makes "Planeta Druzei" such a special and effective organization.

Every Child is a Child

"Sunshine" and "rain" children – they are full of energy and life. They dance, sing, and are always ready to laugh. While they sometimes present challenges, a personalized approach is essential to successfully engage with them. Their photos hold a special appeal, capturing the authenticity of their lives.

Despite their differences and complexities, each child requires a unique approach to effectively engage with them. Some children may be more withdrawn while others are more outgoing. Dzharaova finds these images to be captivating, as they offer insight into their world.

A favorite activity for many children is dancing, but autistic children tend to be more isolated within themselves. However, through their sessions, the pedagogues succeed in drawing these children out and encouraging them to engage in social activities. Their approach is always flexible, tailored to the individual needs of each child, ensuring maximum progress and success.

As a result, Dzharaova has witnessed great transformations in these children. Their once-shy and withdrawn demeanors have given way to more confident and outgoing personalities. She had the privilege of capturing their growth on camera, documenting their journey from scared and timid children to happy, vibrant young individuals.

With time, Dzharaova has formed a deep bond with the families and the organization, driven not just by a desire to chronicle their journey, but also to be part of making a positive impact in their lives. After all, every child deserves love, support, and opportunities to grow and thrive.

1. The photojournalist, Gulnara Dzharaova, chose to focus on the lives of children with autism and Down syndrome during a time when there was a scarcity of information about such individuals, their care, and society integration, aiming to make a meaningful contribution with her art.
2. In her joint project with "Planeta Druzei," many families with special needs children agreed to participate, leading to the creation of a calendar showcasing their heroes and an exhibition at a cultural venue, "Kontinent."
3. Today, many of these children have integrated into mainstream society, with some even becoming productive members, such as Maxim Mikheinniy working at "Dodo-Pizza."
4. In rural areas unable to travel to Omsk for consultations, experts from "The Parent's Academy" regularly visits regions of the Omsk Oblast and conduct online consultations, offering support and resources to a wider audience.
5. The tireless perseverance of the specialists at "Planeta Druzei" is truly inspiring, as they never give up, always finding alternative approaches, offering solutions, and support without ever losing hope, while also showing genuine affection and a sincere desire to help each unique child thrive.

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