We are talking here about children, who are perfectly healthy but face difficulties communicating or forming relationships with other people. “It is not a disease, it is a disorder”, says Dr. Bhavna Raja, a practicing psychologist and core team member of Urja Child Development Centre.

Being on the field for more than 9 years and dealing with child psychology since then, Dr. Bhavna states that in the United States of America, 1 out of every 7 children underline the symptoms of autism. She believes it is spreading like epidemic even in India. Her focus has mainly been child psychology and with autism in fluxing it’s way in the health sector, she and her multi-disciplinary team in Urja have organized an awareness session in Surat tomorrow, April 2^nd. Pediatrician Dr. Swati Vinchurkar with PG Diploma in Developmental Neurology, also working with Urja says, “There is a lack of awareness among parents even professionals, doctors, psychologists and educationists. This disorder needs to be identified first and then accepted. Once there is acceptance in the society, then we would want more people to create that special infrastructure for autistic children. Schooling is a primary issue faced by the parents. They need to identify behavioral patterns at an earlier stage as such children are exceptionally good at music, mathematics, solving puzzles and decoding. Without creating a stigma around this, we should pay heed to their needs.”

On being asked how is Surat dealing with this disorder? Dr. Bhavna replied, “We lack in terms of resources, infrastructure and people’s involvement”. She believes in a therapeutic set up for autistic children. They need a different environment to grow and fit in-between the society. It is highly important for people like you and me to accept these children as amongst us and heal them with love and care.” That is another reason why the awareness program is being held, to spread awareness and to accept this disorder and not dodge it further. Dr. Bhavna states, “People are not afraid, they are unaware.” Pediatricians are best possible sources that can identify autism. They are familiar with a child’s health, mental and physical and can well educate the parents at an early stage.

Surat Rural police and Vandrevala Foundation invites you all for ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ organized by ‘Jivan Aastha helpline’ –

2nd April, Saturday, 9:30 AM at Police Community hall, Athwalines.

There will be fun filled activities to pamper your special children, bring them along!