The Indian
Medical Association-Medical Students Network in collaboration with Sangath, Goa organised the Autism
Awareness Walk on April 7, 2019 at Miramar. The walk was attended by over 100
people, including GMC students and friends of Sangath.
The programme began with a skit performed by the students of GMC
that explained the meaning of Autism, how it affects the family and its
diagnosis.
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Dr Amit Dias, Department of Preventive Medicine at GMC addressed
the gathering and stressed on the need for inclusion. He said all children are
unique and it is up to us to create a inclusive environment for children to
grow to their full potential. April 7 is observed by the WHO as World Health
Day and the theme this year is Health for All… children with Autism should
not be left out, he added.
Dr Mimi Silveira, professor, Paediatrics, gave a talk mentioning
how Autism can be diagnosed early and given the right therapy.
Dr Dias mentioned how Autism affects the family and the
behaviour of society towards a child with the autism spectrum disorder.
Percy Cardozo Sangath, spoke a few words about how such events
help create awareness in the general population.
This was followed by the flag-off for the Walk. The participants
walked on the roads of Panjim carrying posters, placards and balloons. The walk
ended at Children’s Park, creating awareness all along the way.
The
winners of the Autism Awareness Poster Competition were awarded prizes.
