Udupi: Autism Awareness Program organized at Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 14 Nov: Autism Awareness Programme was organized by Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor in association with District Administration, Udupi on the occasion of 21st Founders Day coinciding with the Children’s Day celebration on 14 November 2018 at 10 am at Manasa Special School Campus, Pamboor. Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the inauguration of the seminar. Dr. P.V. Bhandari, Medical Director of Baliga Group of Hospitals, Uudpi and Dr. Sumita Rege, Associate Professor, SOHAS Manipal were the resource persons. Mrs. Gracy Gonslaves, Deputy Director of Womens and Children Welfare Department, Udupi District  inaugurated the awareness programme.

 

Prior to the prgramme, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha was received by Henry Menezes, Managing Trustee of Manasa along with Fr. Ferdinand Gonslaves, Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Diocese at the entrance of Manasa. Thereafter, the Bishop visited the newly established Manasa Autism Centre- Early Intervention Unit and other facilities of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre. He also inaugurated and blessed the newly acquired  school bus.

 

 

The Autism Awareness Programme commenced with the prayer  song by the students of Manasa. Following the welcome address by Elroy Kiran Crasto, the Treasurer of Manasa, Simon D’Souza, one of the Trustees of Manasa, in his introductory address stressed upon the need to identify the early symptoms of autism among children so that they can be given proper training. He also mentioned about the autism centre that was started by Manasa six months ago with six children identified with autism.

 

Mrs. Gracy Gonsalves along with Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and other dignitaries on the dais inaugurated the Autism Awareness Programme.

 

In her speech, Mrs. Gracy Gonslaves said that child is the joy of the family. But, unfortunately if any child is found to be autistic, the entire family gets shattered. In order to overcome this condition, it is important for the parents, educational institutions and government agencies such as the Women and Child Welfare Department to identify such cases and undertake proper guidance to the parents and provide institutional training to the child.

 

On this occasion three prominent members of the Catholic Sabha were felicitated. Anil Lobo Fermai for being elected as the President of the MCC Bank, Elroy Kiran Crasto for being elected as the Director of the MCC Bank and Dr. Edward Lobo for being appointed as the Director of the Health Commission of Udupi Diocese.

 

Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha who paid his first visit to the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Center after  having taken the charge of the Mangalore Diocese as the Bishop was also honoured by the Managing Committee of Manasa.

 

In his message, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha appreciated the great work that is being done by Manasa in developing self-confidence among the differently abled children and providing them training and education. He also complimented Manasa for starting the Autism center. Speaking further, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said that we can learn many things from children. As their clean at heart and innocent they show us the value of unconditional love. 

 

Sr. Ancilla Fernandes, Principal of Manasa, Alwyn Quadros, President of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Rolphy D’Costa-President, Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh, Dr. Gerald Pinto-Trustee of Manasa, Joseph Noronha-Secretary of Manasa, Wilson Rodrigues-member of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, Commodore Jerome Castelino (VSM)- retired Naval Officer  were present for the programme.

 

Henry Menezes proposed the vote of thanks and Flavin D’Souza and Ashwini Acharya compeered the inaugural programme.

 

 

The Autism Awareness Programme was conducted by Dr. P.V. Bhandari and Dr. Sumita Rege as resource persons.

 

In his presentation, Dr. P.V. Bhandari spoke on “Autism-Seriousness of the Issue, Lack of Awareness and Impact on the Families”. 

 

Dr. Sumita Rege made presentation on “Symptoms of Autsim, Early Detection and Early Intervention. Role of Therapists, Parents and Society at large”.

 

Both the presentations were informative and useful. Dr. Bhandari said that out of 250 children, one suffers from autism. He said that Manasa is the first institute in the surrounding districts that has started the Autism Centre. He pointed out various signs among the children which indicate that the child is autistic. It is important for the parents to consult the doctors and accept the reality so that early intervention can be made in order to help the child to live a near normal life. He further said that autism is not a disability but a different ability.

 

Dr. Sumita Rege highlighted on different types of therapies that could help autistic children to overcome their autistic behaviour.

 

At the end of the programme, Dr. Gerald Pinto summarised the proceedings of the Autism Awareness Programme.