World Autism Day Celebrated at K Blooming, Promoting Neurodiversity & Inclusion

NAHARLAGUN I Apr I 2 :

AE News Desk

World Autism Day was celebrated at K Blooming, an early intervention and learning center in Naharlagun, under the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

The event was graced by Ira Singhal, IAS, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest.

A role model for individuals with disabilities, Singhal exhorted parents to have patience and teach their kids certain skills so that they become independent when they grow up.

Singhal topped the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2014, becoming the first differently-abled woman to achieve this feat.

Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain (Neurodevelopment). It is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure for it. Autistic people often face problems with social communication and interaction. They may have restricted or repetitive behaviors and take longer to understand and process information. They find it difficult to express how they think and feel. They may experience over- or under-sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, smell, light, colors, temperature, and pain. When things become too overwhelming for them, they may experience meltdowns or shutdowns.

World Autism Day is celebrated every year on April 2 for the acceptance, support, and inclusion of autistic people and for advocating their rights.

To make the program meaningful, paintings made by special children were also displayed.

Special guests on the occasion—Tanya Agu, former student leader and youth icon; Bamang Taniang, youth leader & entrepreneur; and Sonam Solung, Deputy Registrar, Rajiv Gandhi University—also spoke to motivate the parents.