By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 8 Apr: On the occasion of Autism and World Health Day, Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant, and Rural Development Institute (RDI) launched an awareness campaign. A painting competition for children suffering from Autism was organised at the hospital and awards distributed.
Also, more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms and treatment of Autism by the doctors of the hospital in Bahadarabad, Haridwar.
Addressing the awareness programme on the occasion of Autism Day, Dr Hem Chandra Joshi, Director of Health Services at Himalayan Hospital, stated that this year’s theme for Autism awareness is “Empowering Autistic Individuals”, aiming to provide more support and empowerment to children with this condition.
The Head of the Pediatrics Department, Dr Anil Rawat mentioned that such children start speaking late, repeat words, etc., thus it is essential to integrate autistic individuals into social activities. Senior Pediatrician Dr Alpa Gupta answered questions related to Autism while interacting with parents. Dr Nirul Pandita organized a painting competition for children suffering from Autism. All children were awarded. The programme was made successful with the support of Dr Jyoti Walia, Dr Ashish Simlty, Dr Sanobar Wasim, Dr Nitika Agarwal, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Dr Sonam Agarwal, Dr Manju Kedarnath, and others. RDI provided relevant information to more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Neelam Pandey, Programme Officer at Rural Development Institute, mentioned that more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms and treatment of Autism by the hospital’s doctors in Bahadarabad, Haridwar. Dr Subodh Joshi, Health Superintendent of Bahadarabad, appreciated the awareness programme.
Dr Anil Rawat, Dr Nirul, Dr Rakesh, Dr Chandni, Ravindra Verma, Leela Uniyal, Seema and Sheetal were present during this activity.
Dr Anil Rawat, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Himalayan Hospital explained that awareness about Autism is extremely necessary. It is a neurological condition that begins in childhood, adversely affecting a child’s communication, imagination, and social interaction. Pediatric specialist Dr Rakesh Kumar at Himalayan Hospital mentioned that the absence of speech development, abnormal sensitivity, unusual hand or body movements, inability to play, lack of eye contact, not reacting to their name, inability to connect with others, and playing with toys in a peculiar way are some major symptoms indicating Autism. These should not be ignored at any cost.
Autism is becoming a significant challenge worldwide. The number of children suffering from Autism in India is continuously increasing. According to a study published in 2021, the estimated number of Autistic children in India could be about 1 in 68 children.
