Dubai-based autistic 14-year-old writes eight books

At first glance, Aarav Trivedi is a quiet, thoughtful 14-year-old student at La Senda Global Academy. But behind those observant eyes lies a rich inner world — one of poetry, imagination, quiet resilience, and profound emotional depth. With eight books already under his belt, Aarav is now working on his ninth, all the while redefining what it means to communicate, connect, and create as a child on the autism spectrum.

The journey began with a mother’s intuition more than a typical checklist. “He didn’t respond to his name, avoided eye contact, and would lose himself in the spinning wheels of a toy car for hours,” recalls Aarav’s mother, Palak, an educator with a post-graduate diploma in Special Education. “While other toddlers pointed to things or tried to show [off their] toys, Aarav seemed wrapped in his own little world.”

It wasn’t a single moment that led to his diagnosis, but rather a mosaic of signs — delayed speech, echolalia, sensory sensitivities, and a remarkable attention to detail. “We heard that quiet voice inside us grow louder, saying, ‘Let’s look into this.'” The diagnosis of being on the mild end of the autism spectrum came in Grade 5, and it brought with it not despair, but clarity.

Aarav may find verbal expression challenging, but when he writes, the words flow with grace and honesty. Palak vividly remembers the moment it all began. “It was in Grade 2, during a story narrating competition. He didn’t just tell a story — he wrote one from scratch, filled with imagination and emotion. He won first prize. That’s when we realised his gift.”

Writing quickly became Aarav’s sanctuary — his way of articulating thoughts that were difficult to speak aloud. Over time, his notebooks filled with poems and short stories, many of which found their way into Zoomerang Online Magazine during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The dream of seeing his name on a book cover took shape when a teacher, Archana, introduced him to Bribooks, a platform for young writers. With his family’s encouragement, he compiled his poems into his first published work, Window to My World, a quiet but powerful collection that offered a glimpse into his vibrant inner landscape. His second book, Jolly the Giraffe, followed soon after, capturing readers with its warmth and imagination.

Aarav’s creative process reflects his personality — introspective, detailed, and deeply authentic. He writes when inspiration strikes, often drawing from personal experiences, emotions, and the beauty of small, unnoticed things. “He doesn’t write to impress. He writes to express,” says Palak. “It’s not about deadlines — it’s about giving his thoughts the space to unfold.”

Motivated by the firsthand experiences and challenges of raising an autistic child, Palak has recently launched her own venture, Zen Zone, an initiative dedicated to supporting children with special needs. Through this, Palak actively assists parents, offers training programmes for children, and collaborates with various communities and events to create platforms where special children can perform and showcase their unique talents.

Strength in silence

Aarav’s greatest strength isn’t just his talent — it’s his heart. “He has this quiet resilience, this deep empathy that you feel more than see. He doesn’t always express emotions conventionally, but they’re all there — in his stories, in his poetry, in the way he sees the world,” says his father, Anant Trivedi, a finance professional.

But Aarav’s journey hasn’t been without challenges — bullying, social isolation, sensory sensitivities, and  academic struggles, especially in maths and science. His family has learned to adapt, advocate, and most importantly, celebrate his progress, no matter how unconventional.

Anant TrivediHe has this quiet resilience, this deep empathy that you feel more than see. He doesn’t always express emotions conventionally, but they’re all there — in his stories, in his poetry, in the way he sees the world"

Aarav’s success as a writer has never been about personal acclaim. Today, he works with Kitaab Organisation, an NGO providing books and hope to underprivileged children. Through his contributions, he’s not just writing stories — he’s helping others write theirs. “He knows what it feels like to be different,” says Palak. “Helping others feel seen and supported is his way of giving back.”

His work has been recognised by numerous platforms — from Bribooks medals to the RobinAge Bright Sparks Award 2023–2024, the Literoma Junior Star Award 2024, and publications in RobinAge, Beyond the Box, Zoomerang, and the Spectrum Autism Awareness Project.

Does Aarav dream of becoming a full-time writer? “We’re still exploring,” his parents say in unison. “He’s also interested in baking, painting, music, the piano... we don’t want to limit him. We just want him to feel free — whether that means becoming a writer, or a bit of everything.”