Carnival to spread awareness on autism

To create awareness about autism, a day-long programme will be organised here tomorrow that will see participation of experts, including pediatricians and psychologists.
The autism carnival -- My Playground -- is being organised by the Centre for Child and Adolescent Well Being (CCAW) in collaboration with Child Mental Health Foundation (CMHF).
It is being held to create awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to mark World Autism Awareness Day.
The carnival, being organised for the fifth consecutive year, would see participation of pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists and researchers, CCAW said.
"We don't believe in competitions, rather excellence should be the primary factor for driving children towards greater achievements. Activities at autism carnival focus more on merriment, compassion and appreciation," autism expert Indu Chaswal, who is part of CCAW, told PTI.

Games, sensory activities and talent shows, among others would be conducted as part of the carnival.

Autism is a neurological disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and behavioural issues. Signs of the disorder are noticed as early as when the child is three years old.
More than 10 million children in India are estimated to be suffering from autism, as per the International Clinical Epidemiology Network Trust (INCLEN).
Going by its estimates, one in every 66 children in the age group of 2-9 years is affected by ASD in the country.
"With appropriate support, children under ASD can accomplish many regular tasks done by all of us. We need to create greater levels of understanding and an accepting world," CCAW founder and child psychiatrist Deepak Gupta said.

According to INCLEN, the disorder is often wrongly diagnosed and less understood.
Anita Makkar, the Principal of The HDFC School in Gurgaon, said it is the society's responsibility to create greater levels of understanding in treating kids with special needs in an appropriate manner.