A Workshop on the occasion of “World Autism Awareness Day-2024” was celebrated on 04th of April 2024(9:30AM – 1:30 PM), organized by the Department of Speech Language and Pathology, School of Rehabilitation and Behavioural Sciences (SRBS), Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (DU), Pondicherry and National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (Divyangjan), (DEPwD), Department of Social Justice& Empowerment, Government of India. This year theme is “What is mild Autism and why is it difficult to diagnose it”. For this we had eminent keynote speakers Dr. Venugoal.M, Professional clinical Psychologist, a Fellow Member of Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists delivered his lecture on the topic of “Supplementary Methods of Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders”. Mrs. Suganya is an Occupational Therapist at NIEPMED, Chennai, Unit In-charge of Multi-Sensory Unit, Cross Disabilities Early Intervention Centre delivered her lecture on the topic of “Sensory Challenges in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, Mr. Monish V, Lecturer in Speech Language & Pathology delivered his lecture on the topic of “Developing Early Communication Skill in Children with Autism”. A total of more than 180 participants attended the workshop of which there were 85 Parents of children with differentially abled participated and gained the insight in importance to the core content of all 3 lectures. Professor Arun Banik, HoD of SLP welcomed the gathering followed by Inaugural Speech by Dean & Director Dr.K.Rajalakshmi, SRBS. Further presidential and key note address was delivered by Dr. Rakesh Seghal, Dean - AVMC and Prof. N.D Rajan, Consultant, SRBS. The Organizing Co-ordinators of the event Dr. Theja Prabhakar, Mr. Ramkumar, Mr. Ramana Kumar & Mrs. Gracy of Cross Disabilities Early Intervention centre, SRBS, VMRF executed the event in systematic manner. Children with differentially abled received gifts as a token of love and appreciation by our chief guests and speakers. The program was concluded with vote of thanks and National Anthem followed by refreshments and Lunch.
