News of the month April - 2025

The invisible challenges faced by "special mothers" in a stigmatized society

On February 28, the Press Institute of India and Nampayanam arranged a panel discussion in advance of International Women's Day. The panel of exceptional mothers talked about overcoming obstacles, the stigma they have faced, and their everyday hardships. During a panel discussion in Chennai, Radha Nandakumar, managing trustee of the Gurukulam Centre for Children with Special Needs, acknowledged, "As a mother, I was not ready to accept that my child has special needs, in fact, I didn't even know what a special child was."

Meenakshi Devaraj, a cultural historian and the founder of Nampayanam, an organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and protecting natural resources, noted that the first reaction a parent gets when they learn that their child has special needs is one of dread and humiliation. It's difficult to acknowledge that your child has received poor grades in our society.

Read full article at frontline

1,307 special-needs children take admission in Delhi private schools

With the successful completion of the first round of entry-level admission for children with special needs (CWSN) in Delhi's private schools, 1,307 pupils were given seats through an automated drawing of lots. 1,307 pupils in the Children with Special Needs (CWSN) category were admitted in the first round of entry-level admissions to Delhi's private unaided schools, which was announced by the Directorate of Education (DoE). Results were announced on Thursday. Preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students were chosen through a computerized drawing of lots.

DoE promised to notify selected students' families about their designated schools and document verification sites.

The schools cannot be changed once they have been assigned.

Read full article at indiatoday

Anirvedha Foundation launches ‘Support Saturday’, inclusive spaces for special needs children in Mangaluru

The city's non-profit Anirvedha Foundation-A Resource Centre for Psychological Well-being has started a free, all-inclusive program called "Support Saturday" to help kids with special needs.

The concept was introduced by Iftikar Ali, the chairman of the Karnataka Allied and Healthcare Council, on Tuesday night during "Dawat-e-Iftar," a gathering for the city's disabled children. 100 exceptional children, their parents, and others attended the event, which celebrated inclusivity, unity, and blessing sharing.

Read full article at timesofindia

Activities for children with Down syndrome and a day of celebration

On Friday, the department of medical genetics at SGPGIMS organized a World Down Syndrome Day celebration that included at least 30 children with Down syndrome and their families.

Prof. Shubha Phadke, the department head, gave insightful information about the hereditary components of Down syndrome, and Anjali, an occupational therapist, emphasized the critical role that therapy plays in helping patients become more independent and proficient in daily life.

Navneet, the physiotherapist, talked about the value of physiotherapy in improving physical development and motor abilities. In addition to answering questions from parents and providing support and direction, they also held educational workshops where they discussed their role in the development of communication and mental health.

Read full article at timesofindia

"A newborn with Down syndrome would be beaten by nurses," Anupam Mittal cries at the Shark Tank India finals, claiming to be experiencing an out-of-body sensation.

Along with her mother and siblings, Dhriti, a young child with Down syndrome, made an appearance on Shark Tank India 4's season finale. According to Dhriti's mother, who spoke to the panel of "sharks," she would express herself artistically before she was five years old. Dhriti's mother established the company Tickle Your Art and began transforming this art into jewelry and other home goods. She valued the company at Rs 3.04 crore and requested Rs 21.3 lakh in exchange for 7% equity. When asked what this number means, Dhriti's mother explained that it represents Down syndrome.

Read full article at indianexpress

Children's autism symptoms may be lessened by probiotic supplements: study

According to a recent study, children's autism symptoms can be significantly reduced by addressing the gut-brain connection. Probiotics have been shown to help control autistic behavior. In addition to developing novel treatments for autism in kids, a recent study found a connection between probiotic-rich meals and autism.

The study's findings that probiotic supplements can help with both behavioral and digestive problems have offered parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) hope.

Read full article at indiatoday

Spl kids need special support system

Bhopal: A press statement issued here on Thursday stated that since 2014, 318 children with Down syndrome have been discovered by the district Early Intervention Center in Bhopal.

On Friday, health facilities will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with events. The main objective is to "Improve Our Support Systems." In 2012, March 21 was declared "World Down Syndrome Day" by the UN.

"Special education and training are necessary for children with Down syndrome," said Prabhakar Tiwari, chief medical and health officer, Bhopal. In addition, they must help their family members emotionally and psychologically. Children with birth abnormalities, illnesses, nutritional inadequacies, and developmental delays are identified by the National Child Health Programme between the ages of one and eighteen.

Read full article at timesofindia

Minnesota wild and utah hockey club join hands for down syndrome awareness in moving tribute

Michael Carcone of the Utah Hockey Club and Freddy Gaudreau of the Minnesota Wild both gave moving homage to family members who had Down syndrome. In order to raise awareness, they led their teams in the 'Rock Your Socks' campaign by donning mismatched socks. Hockey transcends the arena, as evidenced by their actions, which emphasized the spirit of compassion and cooperation.

Hockey is more than simply a sport; it's a supportive and motivating family. This was demonstrated when Michael Carcone of the Utah Hockey Club and Freddy Gaudreau of the Minnesota Wild skated for their clubs in a moving ode to Down syndrome. In addition to honoring their loved ones, their acts of affection sent a powerful message of inclusivity and love.

Read full article at timesofindia

According to a study, a Western diet during pregnancy increases the chances of autism and ADHD in the unborn child.

The health and development of the fetus are directly impacted by the food during pregnancy, yet this is not often discussed.

The impact of a mother's nutrition during pregnancy on the neurodevelopment of her unborn child is still poorly understood, despite the high incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. According to a team of researchers that have examined the effects of a Western diet and how it raises the risk of autism and ADHD in infants, "here we demonstrate that a western dietary pattern during pregnancy is associated with child neurodevelopmental disorders."

Read full article at timesofindia

Donald Trump expresses concern over an increase in autism diagnoses. Why is there a surge?

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump declared that the number of autism cases in the country had increased. Not long ago, one in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism, and the statistics are unbelievable. 10,000 to one. It's one in 36 currently. There's a problem," Trump stated in his Tuesday speech.

Although the causes are yet unknown, Trump suggested during his address that the significant increase in autism diagnoses in the US could constitute an epidemic. According to him, the prevalence of autism has decreased from one in 10,000 US youngsters to one in 36. According to a New York Times article, Trump's earlier claim that one in 10,000 incidents isn't totally accurate.

Read full article at financialexpress

Parents team up for a unique autism centre in pune

"We realized early on that if we keep fighting alone, there would be no support for our children once we are gone," said Supriya Deshpande, one of 25 parents who joined forces to build a unique residential and training facility for people with autism in Purandar's Devadi village, approximately an hour away from Pune city.

In India, one in 65 children suffers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however there are little resources available for long-term care and specialized training. After realizing the need, the parents founded the Purandar Autism Caregivers Foundation (PACF) in 2013, combining their resources and efforts to develop a long-term care model. The Autism Research and Training Centre (ARC) was constructed on a three-acre tract of land in Devadi that PACF acquired with assistance from the SAAD Trust, Khadki, and Rotary Club.

"The residential facility offers long-term care for up to 48 people with autism. Our own children will make up half of the residents, with the remaining half consisting of members of the general public, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who are unable to pay for long-term care," Deshpande stated.

Read full article at timesofindia

60 cops take part in awareness camp on autism other disorders

Itanagar: On Thursday, the Ayang Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd., in partnership with the superintendent of police (SP) office, Naharlagun, held an awareness camp and provided a free assessment on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), special learning disability, and down syndrome.

According to Naharlagun SP Mihin Gambo, the program raised awareness among 60 police officers about how to identify and treat people with these conditions, especially when they are being questioned, are missing persons, are being investigated, or are interacting with the police.

Read full article at timesofindia

The first airport in India to provide a sensory space for travelers with neurodivergent needs is Bengaluru.

The first-ever sensory area at an Indian airport has been created by Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru as part of an effort to promote inclusive air travel. The sensory room is located on Level 4 of Terminal 2, close to the 080 International Lounge, and is designed for passengers who are neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivity issues.

Read full article at economictimes

Battle against Autism and World No. 33 career high: How American tennis player Jenson Brooksby overcame the mental disorder

24-year-old Jenson Brooksby, the youngest American to advance to the fourth round of the US Open in the past 23 years and a former world number 33, has talked candidly about his battles with autism and the difficulties he faces in managing it in his professional life. The American tennis player talked about his early years with autism. He has been sidelined from the professional circuit for the past two years owing to an injury and a doping ban for skipping drug tests.

"It wasn't something you are particularly comfortable sharing throughout my entire childhood with my parents because there may be repercussions, especially when I was younger. However, as I've gotten older, I've discovered that, even from those who are close to me, the answer is quite informal and rarely given much thought. I believe that my desire to be able to assist others with it in specific situations—for example, if they are attempting to pursue a career in sports—was greater than any potential drawback. Brooksby told BBC Sport, "I sincerely hope that future players, whether they are outspoken about it or not, at least know it's okay for them to struggle with it and hopefully be able to explain why."

Read full article at indianexpress