BUILDING AWARENESS, INSPIRING ACTION: WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY EVENT REPORT BY DEHRADUN HILLS ACADEMY

The students of Dehradun Hills Academy organized an event on World Autism Day to raise awareness about autism signs, symptoms, and the significance of early screening and intervention, while keeping holistic learning as their primary academic ideology.

The students of Dehradun Hills Academy organized an event on World Autism Day to raise awareness about autism signs, symptoms, and the significance of early screening and intervention, while keeping holistic learning as their primary academic ideology.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during a child's first three years of life. However, half of all autism cases are not detected until a child is school-age. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. The theme of the event was to identify ways to encourage parents with a child showing signs of developmental delays, particularly in communication or social interaction. Students of C-form decorated the notice board displaying the necessary information, which will be open for students and parents until the end of the month. The students also prepared cards and letters with a special message for them. Anup Kumar of C form organized a special assembly to help students understand autism, raise awareness, and promote inclusion. He also emphasized providing support and care to children affected by autism.
Our students also visited the Hopes Centre for Autism & Developmental Disabilities on Chakrata Road, Dehradun, and spent quality time with them. They also gave them handmade cards, bookmarks, and special letters made by our students. The aim was to make them feel loved and provide support and encouragement.

A small Autism awareness walk was organized by the school in the city, during which our students interacted with the general public to raise awareness about the cause. The day ended with a movie shown to our boarders in the evening to deepen their understanding of the initiative.


Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yudhishter Puran Singh, Managing Director, stated that it is essential to create awareness to dispel myths and misconceptions regarding the illness. Personally, I would urge the education industry, including schools and colleges, to help break down the barriers that divide us into separate groups, leading us toward a future where everyone fully embraces and accept each other. 
This is inclusiveness in the truest sense and a hallmark of a well-educated society. A big thank you to Ms. Shivika from Hopes Centre for granting our students the chance to participate in making a difference and learn more about autism.

Punnapatt from Class 8 said, "I think autism is a big challenge for kids nowadays. We should keep looking for new therapies and ways to support autistic people, so they can have better lives. It's important to understand and include them in our community.”
The initiative was led by Ms. Sakshi Sharma (Activity co-ordinator), along with Punnapatt, Anup, Muskaan and Harshita students of C Form.