A go-to place for expertise on autism spectrum disorder
The Centre for Excellence for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, located on the premises of the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in K.K. Nagar, is aged six months, but it has taken strides belying its tender age.
Opened by the State Government to guide parents and guardians of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as to offer a range of services, the Centre is working towards becoming a 'go-to-place' for ASD.
'We have had an average of 70 people attending these sessions, with webinars on occupational therapy garnering maximum attendance,' says Rema Chandramohan, retired director, Institute Of Child Health, Madras Medical College, who oversees the centre's functioning.
The high point of the 40-minute webinars are the question and answer sessions from parents.
'Everybody may not have access to a speech or occupational therapist but one can make use of the environment at home to offer therapy, for which we offer guidance. We also provide info about other centres in the state where one can avail therapy,' says Dr. Rema, a Professor of Paediatrics.
Early intervention is the first help one can offer a child with ASD for which the Centre is creating awareness.
'Currently, the Centre receives five new people a day and 18-20 patients come for therapy,' says Dr Rema.
The Centre has one physiotherapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist and special educator.
'Those on the spectrum need to be constantly monitored and goals set for their development,' she says that besides a helpline number they will soon be getting a toll-free number that one can reach out to for any nagging questions on ASD.
Future plans
The Centre for Excellence wants to be the 'go-to' centre for ASD. It wants to start research work and also move to a bigger space. 'We want to start giving accreditation to other therapy centres, which will be based on space, safety aspects followed and qualification of people working at the unit,' says Dr. Rema.
A process to create a state-level registry for ASD is also being discussed, she says.
For any questions on autism, call 9445535678.
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