Every April is World Autism Month, which kicks off with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. For family and friends of people with autism, each day brings a new awareness of autism.
Recent times autism has received quite a bit of media attention, and the general public is now much more aware that autism exists. However, there continues to be a gap between educating communities on ASD and accepting and including individuals with autism in our communities. Therefore, many self-advocates, their families and professionals are advocating to change Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month.
An event titled “Journey Beyond The Spectrum” Advocacy Awareness and Acceptance on the World Autism Awareness Day was organized by Paulami Niyogi Consulting with Nabajatak Child Development Centre. The Event aimed to address the crucial issues related to Autism and Developmental Disorders.With an objective of creating a barrier free development and inclusive environment for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders,the event was attended by industry’s best doctors,therapists,researchers,academicians and social workers.
The objective of the event was to raise awareness of solutions for the needs of people with autism and their families across the lifespan and across the spectrum. Dr. Anjan Bhattacharya (Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician) ,Dr. Tamal Laha ( Senior Consultant Paediatrician), Dr. Arijit Chattopadhyay (Senior Paediatric Neurologist),Dr. Jewel Chakraborty (Paediatric Physiotherapist) ,Dr. Asimayan Nandi (Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Therapist), Madhumita Dasgupta (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist), Prof. Suvosree Bhattacharya (Clinical Psychologist and Professor, Gokhale Memorial Girl’s College), Rubena Chatterjee (Curriculum Coordinator, Susheela Birla Girls School, Dancer and Social Worker), Dr. Dipanjana Datta (Consultant Genetic Counsellor), Ms. Upasana Mukherjee (Consultant Genetic Counsellor), Rotarian Reshma Narwani (President, Rotary Club of Kolkata)Saubhik Saha (RJ, Presenter, Motivational Speaker) shared their views.
Dr. Anjan Bhattacharya (Neurodevelopmental Padeatrician) said “Disability lies in the eye of the beholder”, the change can be brought only with difference in thinking. Changing our mindset is the only way to have a better future.”
Paulami Niyogi (Life and Leadership Coach, Trainer and Director at Paulami Niyogi Consulting) said ” I have witnesses the power of Multidisciplinary Therapies and the positive impact on individuals with Autism.We should speak out against discrimination,and celebrate the diversity of our global community and strengthen our commitment to inclusion for people with autism.”
