World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated at the Unit of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore in collaboration with Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Bogadi, here yesterday.
The dignitaries present on the dais were Dr. C.R. Satyanarayanan., Deputy Director, Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore; Dr. Asha Yathiraj, Director in-charge, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing and Dr.Shyamala K. Chengappa, Professor and Head, Department of Speech Language Pathology.
The function commenced with an invocation followed by lighting of the lamp by Dr. C.R. Satyanarayanan, Dr. Asha Yathiraj, Director in-charge and Dr. Shyamala.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Satyanarayanan mentioned that Anthropological Survey of India received a communication from Union Ministry of Culture to observe Autism Awareness Day on Apr. 2 and so they contacted AIISH to participate in the celebrations as AIISH is extensively involved in dealing with children with autism.
He stressed the importance of increasing the awareness of autism among the rural population and said that Anthropological Survey of India would extend support in future for such programmes.
Mentioning about the research project carried out (with Dr. Shyamala) in collaboration with AIISH on genetic aspects of Autism, he also expressed their willingness to have such collaborative research projects with AIISH in future.
On the occasion, he released home training booklets for children with autism in Kannada and Malayalam.
Later to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, he lit a blue lamp.
This was followed by prize distribution to the winners of various sports competitions conducted for children with autism.
Director in-charge Dr. Asha Yathiraj said that if we identify and start rehabilitation for children with disability at a younger age good improvement can be seen. She also stressed the important role of parents in the rehabilitation process of children with disability.
Dr. Jayashree C. Shanbal, Lecturer, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, AIISH, compered and proposed a vote of thanks.
Around 150 participants including professionals, parents of children with autism and general public attended the programme.
There was also an exhibition organised for the general public on identification, diagnosis, management and research in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
This was followed by an orientation programme for the general public regarding identification, general characteristics, types, causes, evaluation and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders by Dr. M.S. Deepa, Lecturer, Dept. of Speech-Language Pathology, AIISH and interactive discussion session.
Courtesy : Star Of Mysore