Dispelling myths about autism essential: Telangana Governor
Hyderabad, Oct 8 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday called for concerted efforts to dispel myths and misconceptions about autism and urged society to ensure dignity, equal opportunities and an inclusive environment for children with special needs.
Addressing an autism awareness programme organised by the Madhav Autism Foundation at Red Hills here, Mr Shukla said autism was not a disease but a neurodevelopmental condition.
He stressed the need for early identification, appropriate intervention, training and greater public awareness.
The Governor appreciated the Madhav Autism Foundation for completing a decade of service and said its efforts reflected sustained commitment towards supporting children with autism and their families.
He said every child understood the world in his or her own way and stressed the responsibility of society to recognise their abilities and provide opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
Mr Shukla appreciated the Foundation’s initiative to establish a modern day-care and day-boarding centre for children with special needs.
He said the facility should provide a safe, caring and supportive environment and serve as a “home away from home”.
He welcomed the initiative to bring therapy, education, skill development, sports, music and nutritional support under one roof.
Referring to the concerns of parents of children with special needs, the Governor said one of their major concerns was about the future of their children after them.
Addressing this issue required sensitive systems, sustained support and collective commitment from society, he said.
Mr Shukla commended Madhav Autism Foundation president Dr Suman Saraf for turning the challenges faced by her son Madhav into an initiative to support and empower other families.
He called upon people from the administrative, medical, industrial and social sectors to actively participate in initiatives for children with special needs.
Such support could be extended through professional expertise, mentorship, resources and time, besides financial assistance, he said.
The Governor said the Foundation’s initiatives could serve as an example in building an inclusive society in Telangana and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure dignity, opportunity and self-reliance for every child with special needs.
Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Principal Secretary, Finance Department; Aniruddh Gupta, president, Telangana Agrawal Samaj; Dr Suman Saraf; Dileep Pansari, secretary, Madhav Autism Foundation; neurologist Dr Shashikumar Jaiswal and Dr Sandeep Lakhtakia of AIG Hospitals, among others, attended the programme.
TNT TS
