Clinic Brain Neuropsychiatric Institute and Research Centre (CBNIRC) organized an awareness programme today at the Annex Building, Haldar Mansion, Barasat, to mark World Autism Awareness Week.The event saw the participation of nearly 20 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) along with their families, school teachers, and mental health professionals.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Gautam Saha, Founder Director of CBNIRC, who also presented an overview of this year’s theme: “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist from Kolkata and a specialist in Child Psychiatry. His session featured an engaging and illustrative presentation on autism, highlighting effective therapies and the role of medication in treatment. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring a multidisciplinary team of experts:
Dr. Dhiman Chatterjee, Senior Paediatrician, Barasat, Dr. Soumya Chatterjee, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kolkata, Dr. Rajashree Ray, Ms. Snehasree Neogi, Clinical Psychologist, Kolkata, Ms. Ipsita Banik and Ms. Ishika Ghosh, Clinical Psychologists, Barasat, Mrs. Mita Ganguly Roy, Special Educator, CBNIRC, Mr. Sanket Raj, Occupational Therapist, CBNIRC.
The discussion was enriched by insightful questions from attending school teachers, who shared their real-life experiences of working with children with autism in local educational settings.
Throughout the event, the children actively participated in fun and engaging activities such as colouring, singing, balloon games, solving floor puzzles, and dancing, making the day both meaningful and joyful.
