District Hub for Empowerment of Women in collaboration with Sakhi One Stop Centre Budgam conducted awareness on World Autism Day at Government Degree College Khansahib. The Mission Coordinator Afroza Bhat , in her speech, said this year's theme for world autism is "Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking”.
She said it's objective is to create awareness about autism, thus accepting and supporting autistic people in the society and workplace. The improvements are taking place, and conversations on disorder in various sectors are now visible, she added.She said there are still misconceptions, misunderstandings and negative perceptions about disorder.
"Lack of awareness in society has created a taboo on disorder stigmas surrounding autism that can be removed through proper awareness created at the grassroots level and by making the education system more inclusive, she said and maintained that awareness is not enough and the goal is autism acceptance.Psycho-Social Counsellor Shafiqa threw light on the concept Autism Spectrum Disorder and early detection of the disorder.
Continuing the programme Centre Administrator Gousia Rafiq said autism is a disorder that hampers communication and social skills. Autistic people are not able to express their feelings and they have problems understanding other people's feelings.
She also explained that there are different degrees of autism:- mild, moderate, and severe and early intervention is essential for providing support to autistic people which will give them a better quality of life. Gender Specialist Masroofa Majeed stressed on Support and therapy that can help children to manage the challenges that ASD poses.
At the end Vice principal Dr Gamgeen shared a vote of thanks to the DHEW &OSC Staff. The programme was attended by vice principal GDC Khansahib, Staff Members , OSC & DHEW Staff and a huge number of Students.