News from NICO | AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN - AUTISM: BE AWARE, BE UNDERSTANDING

The students of Nitte Institute of Communication, in collaboration with the Nitte Special Child Care (N-SPECC), A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, organized a one-day program to observe World Autism Day, on 28th April 2023 at the Institute premises. The event was organized to raise financial aid for families and increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. 

Dr Yashomathi, Associate Professor, Nitte Institute of Speech & Hearing delivered a keynote address on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which was highly informative and insightful for the audience. 

Prof (Dr) Amitha Hegde, Chairperson of N-SPECC and Guest of Honour, spoke at length on the activities of the Centre, appreciated the efforts of students and said with people getting to know of N-SPECC and its activities, there were more volunteers coming in to help these children and their families.  

A total of 10 children and a few adults with autism attended the event, accompanied by their families. A few families shared their personal stories and experiences with the audience and children were engaged in activities like drawing and colouring. Students of NICO assisted the children, joining them in playing and dancing. They were later presented with gift boxes as a token of affection. 

The event introduced the audience to the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. A few pledged their support by promising to volunteer, donate and spread the word to create a more inclusive and accepting world, resulting in the families who shared their stories & experiences feeling empowered and appreciated.

The event was planned and executed by a group of students of first year BA as part of their studies in Environment and Development Communication. The group included Ben, Gayathri, Nikitha, Thrisha, Aayush, Sathwik, Sinan and Hiba.

Prof Raviraj, Head, Nitte Institute of Communication, presided over the event. Faculty Coordinators Dr Anisha, Assoc. Professor, NICO and Ms Cynthia D’Souza from N-SPECC coordinated the event.