Bhubaneswar: On World Autism Awareness Day, the department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), in partnership with the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), hosted the National Convention on Autism here Wednesday.
The event brought together experts, advocates, and government officials to discuss the growing challenges faced by individuals with autism and the urgent need for enhanced rehabilitation and support systems. IHS founder, Satya Mahapatra, who has over 26 years of experience in disability rehabilitation, delivered the welcome address. Mahapatra spoke passionately about the rising prevalence of autism in India, underscoring the importance of building stronger support structures. He emphasised that early detection, coupled with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism and their families.
According to Mahapatra, this approach is key to addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) chairperson Sharanjeet Kaur, highlighted the pressing issue of a global shortage of trained professionals in the medical rehabilitation sector. She stressed the urgent need for more educational programmes in rehabilitation sciences, both to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals and to offer meaningful career opportunities in this crucial field. Kaur reassured the audience that RCI would collaborate closely with state governments to enhance the availability and quality of rehabilitation services. She passionately stated, “Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind.” Development Commissioner Anu Garg, who presided over the event, delivered a message of hope and reassurance. She reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure for individuals with disabilities, particularly in the field of rehabilitation. “NGOs play an invaluable role in service delivery,” Garg acknowledged, recognising their contributions. “However, it is the collective effort of all stakeholders—government bodies, NGOs, and the community—that will truly make a lasting difference,” she said.
