Bridging Knowledge and Compassion: Doctors’ and Health Professionals’ Meet Up at India Autism Center Residential Campus

In today's world, where inclusivity and understanding are vital, it's concerning to acknowledge the existing gap in awareness surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many individuals remain uninformed about the nuances of ASD, leading to misconceptions and inadequate support for those affected by it. However, amidst this challenge, on the 17th of February, 2024, IAC organized a Doctors’ and Health Professionals Meet-Up at the India Autism Center Residential Campus, Samaavesh has proven to be quite effective. 

This meet-up served as a beacon of hope, bringing together doctors, allied professionals, and parents to foster a deeper understanding of the facilities, services, and therapies available for individuals with ASD. It was a pivotal moment aimed at bridging the gap in knowledge and support, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in creating a more inclusive society with doctors and health professionals. This meet-up also served as a platform for specialists from diverse fields to convene, exchange insights, and deepen their understanding of autism care.

To comprehend the differences, it's crucial to have a brief understanding of the historical evolution of Asperger's and Autism. Initially considered separate entities, the 1994 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) grouped Asperger's under Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), alongside Autism. However, the fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, reclassified Asperger's syndrome under the broader umbrella term of ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, recognizing a shared continuum of symptoms.

One of the highlights of the meet-up was the comprehensive display of architectural layouts across the campus. These detailed representations gave attendees an easy understanding of the center's various block facilities and the essentials behind the design. Facilitated by members of the India Autism Center(IAC), each block was thoroughly explained, offering a detailed view of the center's infrastructure and resources. The doctors from varied fields, like neurologists, psychologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, and speech and language therapists, shared their suggestions and feedback on each block, contributing to improving and refining the center's services, like the different types of therapy and the amenities provided in this residential campus.

There was a detailed presentation which led to an interactive discussion. After that, the guests had an open house where they explored and talked about services and updates. We ended the day with a campus tour followed by lunch. As a token of thanks, each guest was presented with a gift basket filled with items made by the kids at the Amrit Somani Memorial Center. It was great because it showed how everyone can work together.