Local administration and healthcare providers observed World Autism Awareness Day with a host of activities on Wednesday.
As part of an awareness programme held at the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC), Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi on Wednesday, parents were advised to observe their children’s developmental milestones carefully and seek early medical attention in case they were delayed.
The programme, co-hosted by Indian Academy of Pediatrics – Tiruchi branch, with the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, MGMGH, was held on this year’s theme ‘Empowering Autistic Voices’.
A senior DEIC official told The Hindu that one or two cases of children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the centre per week, from in and around Tiruchi, mostly in the age group of two years and above.
“Parents usually approach us only when they notice that their child is not speaking, by the age of two. However, the lack of eye contact and delayed speech are key indicators of ASD and can be spotted as early as nine months. Early intervention will help the autistic individual to gain from behavioural therapy more effectively,” he said.
He also cautioned against ‘virtual autism’, a set of symptoms similar to ASD that can develop in children under the age of three who spend too much time on screens.
“The one-way audio-visual communication with an electronic device makes the child less aware of how to interact with others. We advise parents to keep very young children away from phones and television for this reason,” he said.
In his address, Dr. Senthil Kumar, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry, K.A.P.V. Government Medical Hospital, dispelled myths about autism and urged parents to cooperate with healthcare workers in helping their autistic children live a meaningful life.
“ASD is not a disease, and poor parenting is not the cause. Autistic children need the support of teachers and parents to gain from behaviour modification and special training. They usually have above average intelligence,” he said.
S. Kumaravel, dean, KAPVGMC, MGMGH medical superintendent Udhaya Aruna and deputy superintendent Arun Raj spoke.
At the Tiruchi Collectorate, the premises was illuminated in blue, the official colour of autism awareness. Collector M. Pradeep Kumar joined children and educators from special schools to release blue-coloured balloons as part of an awareness campaign.
Holy Cross Service Society and Tiruchi Central Zone Rotary Club conducted a sensitisation programme on ASD for teachers and the general public at the Collectorate. R. Ravichandran, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, Tiruchi, and senior officials were among the special invitees at the programme.
The Nagapattinam District Collectorate premises was lit up with blue lights to observe the day. Collector P. Akash spoke on the welfare programmes for the differently abled.
Published - April 02, 2025 06:06 pm IST
