Kolkata: India Autism
Center (IAC), a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting
individuals with autism and related developmental conditions, commemorated
World Autism Awareness Month through “Autism in Practice” in association
with the Society of Pediatric Neurology Bengal, thoughtfully curated
series of parent-focused knowledge sessions. Aligned with its vision of
building Samaavesh, India’s largest lifelong residential care ecosystem for
neurodiverse individuals, the initiative reflected IAC’s commitment to creating
an inclusive, informed, and supportive community ecosystem. The sessions
brought together leading multidisciplinary specialists as panellists, including
Dr. Sudip Saha, Dr. Arijit Chattopadhyay, Dr. Jashodhara Chaudhuri, Dr.
Mousumi Mukherjee, Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Dr. Nandita Chattopadhyay, Dr. Kaushambi
Basu, Dr. Pradip Paria, Dr. MD Sahidul Arefin, and Dr. Siddhartha Nandi.
The programme commenced with a keynote address by Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan,
Director and CEO, India Autism Center, setting the tone for meaningful
dialogue and awareness. This was followed by a focused session on Occupational
Therapy led by Dr. Manish Samnani, Clinical Director at SOCH and President
of Haryana Chapter of AIOTA, who shared actionable strategies aimed at
enhancing functional independence among individuals on the autism spectrum.
The event featured multiple expert-led sessions, of which “Medicines
and Beyond” moderated by Dr. Rudrajit Sinha brought together, multispecialty
clinicians, therapists, and domain experts. The discussion explored integrated
approaches to autism care, highlighting the importance of balancing medical,
behavioural, and therapeutic interventions, while underscoring the need for
collaborative, multidisciplinary care models tailored to individual needs. It
also extended beyond autism care to touch upon evolving intervention methods
and the growing landscape of paediatric neurology, highlighting the importance
of early diagnosis, specialised care, and continuous advancements in treatment
approaches.
The latter half of the event featured other sessions on nutrition in
children on the spectrum led by Prof. Dr. Kalpana Dutta, focusing on
dietary considerations, feeding challenges, and the role of nutrition in overall
development of children on the spectrum. A fireside chat with parent advocates,
Ms. Nilanjana Rambothu and Ms. Sumitra Paul Bakshi highlighted
lived experiences and milestones in one's parenting journey, followed
by a session by Ms. Ranjana Chakraborty on behavioural modification
strategies for Pre-teens and Teens, on the spectrum, addressing emotional
regulation, social skills, and practical interventions, and concluding with
closing remarks by Dr. Jashodhara Chaudhuri and Sakhi Singhi.
Speaking on the event, Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and
CEO, India Autism Center, shared,
“Autism in Practice’ reflects our commitment to empowering families with the
right knowledge, tools, and insights to make informed decisions. At IAC, we
believe that awareness must go together with practical guidance, and this
initiative is a step towards bridging that gap for parents navigating complex
care journeys. Equally important is our focus on addressing the long-term needs
of autistic individuals beyond early intervention particularly around
residential care. Through our upcoming residential ecosystem, Samaavesh we aim
to create a safe, structured, and inclusive environment that supports dignity,
independence, and lifelong care, ensuring that individuals on the spectrum
continue to thrive well into adulthood.”
In his address, Dr. Manish Samnani, Clinical Director, SOCH and
President of Haryana Chapter of AIOTA, said, "It was truly a
meaningful experience to be part of India Autism Center. Engaging with parents,
professionals, and individuals on the spectrum created a valuable space for
shared learning and dialogue. While I had the opportunity to discuss practical,
day-to-day behavioural management strategies for home settings, I also gained
important insights from the lived experiences and perspectives shared during
the session. Such collaborative initiatives are essential in strengthening our
collective understanding and advancing more responsive, person-centric
approaches to autism care."
Dr. Rudrajit Sinha, Consultant Advanced Laparoscopy &
Gastroenterology – Apollo Clinic, Director – Good Gut Clinic & CCC Surgery,
and Vice President, Special Olympics Bharat, shared
"As a clinician and a parent to a 17-year-old on the spectrum, I
believe autism awareness must extend beyond a single month into everyday
understanding and inclusion. initiatives like ‘Autism in Practice’ bring
together diverse medical expertise and lived experiences, enabling meaningful
dialogue around current therapies and future directions. With early
intervention, appropriate support, and greater societal acceptance, individuals
on the spectrum can lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in the world
around them."
The initiative reflects IAC’s continued efforts to build awareness
and support families through expert-led engagements that foster informed,
compassionate, and long-term approaches to autism care. By offering practical
insights on medication, evidence-based therapies, and planning for transitions
into adolescence and adulthood, it reinforces a broader commitment to equip
families with clarity and confidence to navigate lifelong care journeys.