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Udupi: World Autism awareness Day 2025 in Manipal

Rotary Club Manipal, Autism Society Udupi, and Rotary Club Manipal Hills jointly organized World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Interact building Lecture Hall  KMC Manipal.

Dr P V Bhandary, psychiatrist said, “The autism society was started 4 years ago, it was a dream of Late Symon D’Souza. I am sure we are trying to live up to his aims. We do not give opportunities to autistic children. This is more common in boys. First thing is their speech is delayed, they do not develop speech as others and they do not have eye contact, they make some repeated movements. This has been changed to autism spectrum disorder.

There are people who are extraordinarily intelligent. These people focus on the things they know well. People blamed vaccination caused autism, but there is no scientific evidence for that. It is caused by genetic causes, it is basically neuro developmental disorder, and it is not a mental illness. They have the right to exist like others. They cannot be treated, they need therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and shadow teachers. Dr Supriya Pai, said, “All children are different in their own way. The challenges in autism children are sensory processing, behavioural problems, speech and communication problems and deficits in academic skills. There is insufficient knowledge about their needs and it is not accepted very well. There are autism centres but very limited in Udupi. As a mother I feel there should be a lot of schools which take in autistic children with dedicated teams. No one teaches how to train a child.”

Rotary Club Manipal Hills Rotarian Suparna Shetty, in her note said, “We are not just managing a club for a year but we are custodians and the legacy holders and the culture that defines Rotary. Our ability to engage our ability to communicate, our ability to lead with purpose determines the impact that we create. Everyone takes on responsibilities, refine your communication and work towards solutions so we have global relevance and local impact. When we strengthen Rotary, we create lasting changes.”

President Rotary Club Manipal Rotarian Subhash B in his welcome address said, “The parents of autistic children are warriors, advocates and unwavering source of comfort for children. Their journey is not always easy. Let’s continue to create a society that embraces neuro-diversity with understanding and compassion, because every child in its own unique way is a gift to this world.”

3D art and exhibition by Srinath Manipal and Rahul and the statue depicting autism in a profound artistic way by Venki Palimar was unveiled by Dr P V Bhandary on the occasion.

Secretary Rotarian Farida Uppin, secretary Rotarian Suresh Rai, vice president Rotarian Vandana Rao, meeting coordinator Rotary Club Manipal Rotarian Dr Pradeep, Dr Ashwini Kumar, Roopa Naik and others were present on the occasion.