surREALITY: Dr. Anand Prahlad
Discover the story of Anand Prahlad, an African American poet, writer, musician and educator as he describes his experience with Aspergers. By Meg Vatterott, Olivia Liu, Marta Payne and Huong Truong.
Going through life with Aspergers Syndrome is difficult; going through life unaware that you have Aspergers may be even more difficult. At the age of 57, Anand Prahlad’s diagnosis brought a sense of validation with a lingering sadness. Although the loneliness and isolation felt throughout his whole life will never fade, his surreal, and often misunderstood experiences now have binding reasons.
Aspergers is not easily diagnosed. Aspergers is not seen by the eye. Aspergers is difficult. Aspergers is overwhelming. Aspergers is often associated with repetitive behavior and speech.
Aspergers Syndrome became a recognized diagnosis in 1992 when it was published in the World Health Organization’s diagnostic manual. Behaviors that are linked to Aspergers include being unaware of normative social cues, challenges with nonverbal communication, infatuation with specific topics and the tendency to focus on self. Not all with Aspergers go through these behaviors, but many do experience sensory overstimulation in one way or another. Since these behaviors are tough to identify, individuals with Aspergers often go undiagnosed until they are in their later childhood or even adulthood, according to Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism.
For Prahlad, being diagnosed has helped clarify a part of who he is. How he experiences the world is completely his own. When it comes to music, Prahlad goes to another realm where his guitar or mbira guides him. “Maybe they’re inlets because they are ways into other worlds for me that are just as fundamental as the world of human beings,” Prahlad said.
The African-American author, musician and poet documented his intersectional life experience in his latest memoir, The Secret Life of a Black Aspie. In the memoir, Prahlad reflects on his childhood and experiences that forged him as a person. He takes readers to his realm.
“Sometimes in bed I left my body and looked down at it from far above. I floated. I flew. I pondered whether to return; at least, I imagined that I had a choice. But I did return, drawn back by the smells of Mama’s cooking, the clatter of pans in the kitchen, her voice, my granny singing, the chatter of my sisters and brothers, my daddy’s knee, the warmth of newly changed sheets on my skin. And because in the breezes that blew in the spring of summer window, spirits would caress my face and whisper, “You have to go back. Go back.” — Anand Prahlad, The Secret Life of a Black Aspie