Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions identified by impairment of speech and social skills, repetitive behaviours, nonverbal communication and developmental delays.
India Autism Center (IAC) hosted a round table with pre-eminent speakers on 9th of January 2020, bringing together globally recognised advocators from the autism community like Ms. Liliana Mayo, Founder and General Director of Centro Ann Sullivan del Perú, an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities and their families, Mr. Ronald Leaf, a licensed psychologist who began his career working with Ivar Lovaas in 1973, Dr. Abir Mukherjee, eminent psychiatrist and associated Amri Hospital and Dr. Jai Ranjan Ram, MD in Psychiatry from NIMHANS, Bangalore and also MRCPsych from UK and CCST in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mr. Suresh Somani, Managing Trustee & Chairman, India Autism Center .
The discussion was based on latest development and research on Autism focusing on many leading and upcoming research and clinical practices in the field of Autism. The discussion provided comprehensive, evidence-based information to assist educators, other professionals, and families in developing effective educational programming for all individuals under the spectrum.
India Autism Center believes that by ensuring meaningful employment opportunities for an individual on the autism spectrum, he or she can lead a life of general well-being and self-sustainability. IAC will provide the right kind of support to the individuals, so that most of them are able to strive for excellence in the workplace, no matter what the nature of employment may be. IAC’s program is designed to identify the strengths of these individuals and to empower them with the necessary skills required to be successful and productive members in both their homes and community.
IAC also seconds the popular belief that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Our race is a social one, and every individual experience optimum physical, mental and spiritual growth through personal experiences, conversations and by being a part of a dynamic society. Seclusion or being alienated from society is detrimental to the development of any individual. Thus, ‘Sammilit’, the International Conference on Autism 2020 that IAC is organising at the Amity University, Kolkata on January 10 -12, 2020 will address the problem at grassroots levels by initiating an inclusive space where every participant, listener, visitor, and volunteer is an equal who will enhance the society with their unique personality and characteristics. At the Conference, it will be discussed and acted upon our conclusions towards honing our inherent ability to be all-accepting, and perceivers of the hidden magic within us.
All parents and every educator should encourage holistic growth and development. Educational systems often focus on strengthening in-demand-skills to increase employability. Interdisciplinary growth is essential but unfortunately undermined by academic blinkers forced on children’s eyes. At Sammilit, attention will be drawn towards the importance of holistic development so that each child is emotionally empowered, passionately driven, physically confident and spiritually aligned.
The main event constitutes a conference where highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals from across the world will assemble to share their wisdom and study regarding developing a conducive, integrated and inclusive lifestyle with people on the spectrum. Sammilit will witness an interactive panel discussion to break barriers that separate us from people on the spectrum by stating truths about mental health conditions and debunking deep-rooted myths. To merge both communities, Sammilit will host an all-inclusive exhibition showcasing expressions of art by neurotypical people who work in the field of Autism along with people on the spectrum. This will uncover a whole new world of artistic abilities and intense creative emotions. This will help all to experience and witness the young and old project their minds through colors and strokes on paper, narratives in verse and poem, instruments strung with melodies, and memories captured in photographic frames. For those interested in personal training and deep learning sessions on Autism, IAC will also be conducting certification workshops curated for parents, students, special educators, therapists, and doctors.
