Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of Autism and World Health Day, Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant and Rural Development Institute (RDI) launched an awareness campaign. A painting competition for children suffering from Autism was organized at the hospital. Meanwhile, more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Autism by the doctors of the hospital in Bahadarabad Haridwar.
Addressing the awareness program on the occasion of Autism Day, Dr. Hem Chandra Joshi, Director of Health Services at Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant, stated that this year’s theme for Autism awareness is “Empowering Autistic Individuals”, aiming to provide more support and empowerment to children with this condition.
The Head of Pediatrics Department, Dr. Anil Rawat mentioned that such children start speaking late, repeat words, etc., thus it is essential to integrate autistic individuals into social activities. Senior Pediatrician Dr. Alpa Gupta answered questions related to Autism interacting with the parents. Dr. Nirul Pandita organized a painting competition for children suffering from Autism. All children were awarded. The program was made successful with the support of Dr. Jyoti Walia, Dr. Ashish Simlty, Dr. Sanobar Wasim, Dr. Nitika Agarwal, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Sonam Agarwal, Dr. Manju Kedarnath, and others.
RDI provided relevant information to more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Neelam Pandey, Program Officer at Rural Development Institute, mentioned that an awareness campaign on Autism was launched by Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant and Rural Development Institute (RDI). In this series, more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Autism by the hospital’s doctors in Bahadarabad Haridwar.
Dr. Subodh Joshi, Health Superintendent of Bahadarabad, appreciated the awareness program. Dr. Anil Rawat, Dr. Nirul, Dr. Rakesh, Dr. Chandni, Ravindra Verma, Leela Uniyal, Seema, and Sheetal were present during this activity.
What is Autism?
Dr. Anil Rawat, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant, explained that awareness about Autism is extremely necessary. It is a neurological condition that begins in childhood, adversely affecting a child’s communication, imagination, and social interaction. In simple terms, children suffering from Autism have lesser brain development compared to other children. Pediatric specialist Dr. Rakesh Kumar at Himalayan Hospital mentioned that the absence of speech development, abnormal sensitivity, unusual hand or body movements, inability to play, lack of eye contact, not reacting to their name, inability to connect with others, and playing with toys in a peculiar way are some major symptoms indicating Autism. These should not be ignored at any cost.
Autism becoming a major health problem: Autism is becoming a significant challenge worldwide. The number of children suffering from Autism in India is continuously increasing. According to a study published in 2021, the estimated number of Autistic children in India could be about 1 in 68 children.
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