AIIMS Guwahati observes World Autism Awareness Day

Staff reporter

Guwahati: In a concerted effort to spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and foster inclusivity, Young Indians (Yi), an initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), collaborated with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati, and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Assam, to mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The event, held at AIIMS Guwahati, aimed to educate the public on autism and extend support to parents and caregivers of autistic children. A significant highlight was the launch of an autism awareness leaflet, providing accessible information on early signs of autism, available support systems, and the importance of inclusion. The awareness campaign engaged over 300 individuals, including students, parents, and healthcare workers.

A peer support discussion for parents offered a platform to share experiences and best practices in raising children on the autism spectrum. The event also featured engaging activities such as painting, drawing, musical chair, and an obstacle course for autistic children, encouraging creative expression and social interaction. Each participating child received a certificate and goodies in recognition of their involvement.

The programme was attended by esteemed faculty members of AIIMS and its Executive Director, Dr. Ashok Puranik, who underscored the significance of early intervention and community-driven initiatives in autism care.

“Inclusion begins with awareness,” said Ronak Khetawat, Chair of Yi Guwahati. “By bringing together parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and the community, we are working towards a more empathetic and supportive society for individuals with autism.”

The collaborative efforts of AIIMS, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Yi reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a sustainable ecosystem of awareness, care, and inclusion for individuals with autism.

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