PUNE, JULY 24 : Autism is a neurological disease in children but such children are often considered mentally retarded which is misconception in society, said Dr. Dipti Bachhao at a lecture here on Wednesday.

It is a congenital condition and these children can also lead a normal life but there is need to understand them and develop their talents, rather than regretting the birth of these children. They should be accepted and brought into the mainstream of society, said Dr. Bachhao while addressing parents of special children.

ACCTS Socio Education Welfare Foundation has established a training and treatment centrr for self-absorbed children called ‘Awesome Kids’ near Baner areas of the city which was inaugurated by senior social activist Manav Kamble.

Adv Nilesh Varlekar, Psychiatrist Kritika Padmanabhan, Director DXN Company Dr. Rajesh Savera and Pratik, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Department were present.

Dr Bachhav said, “Many methods like acupressure, speech therapy, hydrotherapy are available in this centre for special children. To make such children economically self-reliant, business training will be provided by encouraging their skills. To make it easier for them to move in the outside, the foundation has organized the trip for them to various places including gardens, museums, sports centres, schools, libraries.”

Psychiatrist Kritika Padmanabhan said, “It is not possible to make special children, especially self-absorbed children, completely normal by treating them or by any other means. Proper management can create the necessary environment for them to lead a self-reliant life. Parents of such children should take initiative for this. Not only special children but also their parents need training and counselling,” she added.

Nilesh Varlekar said, “Parents have to go through stress while raising special children. So it is not enough to train such children, parents also need special training. Keeping this need in mind, the centre will train special children along with their parents. The special training of parents from economically backward sections.”(UNI)