Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Dec 8: A day-long awareness programme on ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Intervention for Young Children’ was held here at Decenial Hall, FMMC on Friday December 7.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr P S Yedapadithaya, registrar of Mangalore University along with other dignitaries on the dais while Dr Prathibha Karanth, director of ‘The Com DEALL Trust’ was the guest of honour.
The awareness programme was organized by Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing in collaboration with ‘The Com DEALL Trust’.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yedapadithaya said that this programme is a right move to create awareness. He said in Autism, one cannot predict the behavior; hence proactive approach is necessary. It is not sufficient to create awareness, instead it should lead to some development, he said.
“I am sure this programme will give a wakeup call on autism” he said. He lauded the institution for their tremendous work towards health care and education.
Prathiba Karanth, daughter-in law of Late veteran poet Dr Shivaram Karanth in her address said, “We expect best of things but the sad part is that it is not extended to children with development difficulties.”
“The autism cases are on rise day by day. Having found the first autism case in 1943, now we find one autism case in every 88 persons. It is high time to notice this and act accordingly”, she said.
Adding she said that majority of the people have no idea about the subject autism and hence the programme is organized to create awareness. She urged the people to work for children with development disabilities.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues in his presidential address said that for a person with autism love along with expert knowledge when implemented can make wonders. He lauded the Speech and Hearing department for organizing the programme.
“”Autism is a common problem but is an uncommonly recognized problem”, said Dr Sanjeev Rai.
Akhilesh PM, principal of Muller College of Speech and Hearing welcomed the gathering while Vibha Kanagokar delivered the vote of thanks.
Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator of FMMC, Dr J P Alva, dean, Fr Richard Coelho, Fr Rudolph, Dr Narasimhan among others were present.