‘Autism is not a weakness; we are uniquely gifted’

Observed annually on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day promotes understanding, acceptance, and celebrates the strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum. Reinforcing that every individual is unique, CT visits Manovikas Kendra – an institute empowering neurodivergent children through rehabilitation, inclusive education, and vocational training.

On the occasion, special educators and mothers highlight the realities of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), emphasising the role of structured therapies in improving communication, social interaction, daily skills, and managing behavioural challenges.Recognising early signsDelayed speech, fleeting eye contact, and missed developmental milestones often signal early signs of autism, though hesitation can delay crucial support.

While a child spends limited hours in school, parents remain constant, making their role foundational. Emphasising early action, Mahuya Chakraborty says timely support and understanding can open pathways for communication, learning, and independence.

From student to mentorSubhajit Nag’s journey – from a student to the assistant game teacher at the institute – is one of resilience and purpose. A specially abled child, he discovered his passion for sports early and went on to compete at state, national, and international levels, winning gold in Table Tennis Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the 2011 Special Olympics in Athens.

Today, as a mentor, he supports children, sharing that the role has made him confident.

“I try to be patient, and friendly. When they feel scared, I stay with them, and when they feel happy, I clap for them,” he says, adding that even small achievements make him proud.

Guiding every stepAt Manovikas Kendra, early intervention and family support form the cornerstone of helping children with autism thrive. Prof Anuradha Lohia, chairperson of the institute says, “An autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming for parents, but it is also the first step towards truly understanding their child.

Here, we have seen that with early, evidence-based therapy, children begin to communicate, connect and engage with the world in their own unique ways.

Therapy is not about changing who the child is but it is about building the pathways that help them to thrive. For families, even the smallest milestones – a word, a gesture, a shared moment – can be life-changing and we walk that journey with them, every step of the way.”

A journey of acceptance and strengthAt the institute, the focus goes beyond care to fostering inclusion and breaking stigma. Anjana Chatterjee, mother of 15-year-old Chirayu who was diagnosed at two, says autism involves challenges in communication and behaviour, adding that early diagnosis can help children lead better lives. While her son has progressed through therapies, speech remains a challenge, and she notes that raising a special child requires patience & emotional balance.Payel RoyChowdhury, mother of 18-year-old Ronit, recalls, “Apart from speech delay, there were no clear signs at first, and his autism diagnosis at two was not easy to accept.” In 2018, he was admitted to the institute for specialised guidance and now undergoes a range of therapies to enhance his quality of life and overall development.

Being a parent of a child with ASD is a journey not everyone understands. It demands patience, empathy & the strength to support their unique needs, even on overwhelming days – Gita Basu, special educator

On World Autism Awareness Day, we celebrate the individuality of people with autism. Let us all build a more inclusive, compassionate world for all – Amita Prasad, directorPics: Anindya Saha