GUWAHATI, April 5 - Assam Autism Foundation (AAF) here recently organised a programme dedicated to autistic children in which students from NERIM, USTM, representatives from NGOs, members of the public, parents and children of autism were present, according to a press release.
Chief guest of the occasion Sayeeda Mukit, Principal of Sudarshan Public School in her speech laid stress on �teaching the children the way they learn rather than making the children learn the way we want�. She added that this would help them learn in their own space and allay anxiety and aggression. She lauded the efforts of AAF in their efforts to streamline the learning process of autistic children.
Kuljit Baruah, a philanthropist attended the programme as the guest of honour. He addressed issue of the damaging effects of plastic and urged the people to take a pledge for a greener planet and take up specific issues to reduce environmental pollution and thus reduce chronic illnesses and disability.
Vandana Goel, a social worker and representative from the Hare Krishna Movement, encouraged the students to develop empathy, be volunteers and have small savings to inculcate the habit of donation. She also said mothers in particular need to be careful during pregnancy and while nurturing the child.
AAF trustee Dr Shabina Ahmed mentioned how the organisation has been in touch with more than 1,000 families all over Assam and a few from Bengal and that the methodology and programme adopted by AAF are in tandem with the themes of the United Nations. She expressed hope for the children of autism.
Mohendra Shil, coordinator of AAF, urged parents to learn about the subject and judicially select management models as varieties of treatment are floating which may not be necessarily beneficial to autistic children.
Parents of children being entrusted to AAF expressed their views and spoke on the progress of their children.
