With a focus on early identification, informed parenting and community support, Blossoms Preschool organised a one-day workshop on autism at its school hall in Mokokchung on April 18, in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month. The programme was co-powered by Progressive Education Trust (PET).
Around 40 parents, along with teachers of the school and staff from The Nest Day Care, attended the workshop. The proprietor of Eden Preschool was also present.
The workshop was conducted in three sessions: Understanding Autism, Supporting Your Child at Home, and Empowering Parents and Building Support. Resource persons included Asenla Ozukum, founder of Progressive Education Trust, and Atula, staff of PET.
Speaking during the sessions, the resource persons highlighted that autism is a neurological condition and not caused by parenting. They stressed that it is lifelong and cannot be cured, but early identification, timely intervention and a supportive environment can significantly improve outcomes.
They explained that autism affects how children process information and interact with their surroundings, and that each child presents differently as it is a spectrum condition. Misconceptions such as vaccines causing autism and all autistic children being highly intelligent were clarified as unfounded.
The speakers emphasised the importance of understanding developmental milestones from early childhood and urged parents to seek assessment if delays are suspected. Early detection, particularly before the age of five, was highlighted as critical, followed by periodic assessments during later stages of development.
Practical approaches such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) were discussed to help manage behaviour, along with the need to differentiate between tantrums and sensory-related meltdowns. Parents were encouraged to focus on building independence in children through daily life skills and consistent support at home.
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The session also addressed communication challenges, noting that children may be verbal or non-verbal, and alternative communication methods and tools can be used to support interaction. The importance of occupational and speech therapies, where necessary, was also underlined.
Highlighting support systems, the resource persons informed that children diagnosed with autism can avail government concessions and schemes upon obtaining disability certification and identity cards. They also spoke about registration on relevant government portals for access to scholarships, skill development programmes and financial assistance.
Parents were encouraged to form support networks, collaborate with educators and therapists, and actively engage with the community to create a more inclusive environment. The need for sibling counselling and maintaining open social interaction was also stressed.
During the programme, a parent of a child with autism shared personal experiences, who highlighted the challenges and progress made through consistent care and intervention and he stressed that “patience and time” for the child is very crucial.
Blossoms Preschool, established 12 years ago, shared that it had initially enrolled one autistic child, who is currently studying in Grade 8 in Shillong and is doing well. The school currently has two identified autistic students, while a few more are under observation pending assessment.
The workshop called for awareness, acceptance and collective responsibility in supporting children with autism, and also reiterated that with the right support, we can help them learn, adapt and make their life a little easier.
