State observes World Autism Awareness Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 02 2024:
Manipur joined the rest of the world in observing 'World Autism Awareness Day' themed 'Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals Share Regional Perspective' at the campus of Spastic Society of Manipur, Langthabal Kunja on Tuesday.
The observance jointly organised by Spastic Society of Manipur and Share and Care (SAC) was attended by Social Welfare director Ng Uttam as chief guest SAC founder Dr RK Lenin as president.
In his address, Ng Uttam stressed the need for creating awareness about autism to the pre-primary and primary teachers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, so that they can further disseminate the same at the localities.
He also emphasised on the importance of early detection of the disorder in children to facilitate proper treatment and urged the NGOs to work selflessly for the cause.
According to Dr RK Lenin, children who have autism, owing to inadequate brain development at birth, tend to lack proper social and communication skills.
These children tend to live in their own world which may be a cause of concern for then-parents, he noted.
Stating that Manipur lacks proper institute for treatment of the disorder, he commended private organisations including Spastic Society of Manipur for their contribution in spreading awareness about the disorder in the state.
Meanwhile, Spastic Society Manipur secretary Ricky Laishram said that autism is a developmental disability caused by neurodevelopmental condition.
He mentioned that one out of 100 children has autism with the condition mostly found in boys, continuing that according to a study by Indian Journal of Paediatrics in 2021, autism is prevalent in one out of 68 children.
Later, parents and guardians of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shared their experiences.