A go-to place for expertise on autism spectrum disorder

Besides engaging with parents of children with special needs, the Centre for Excellence for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Chennai is working on a host of initiatives including creating a registry of those on the spectrum

The Centre for Excellence for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, located on the premises of the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in K.K. Nagar, is aged six months, but it has taken strides belying its tender age.

Opened by the State Government to guide parents and guardians of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as to offer a range of services, the Centre is working towards becoming a “go-to-place” for ASD.

“We have had an average of 70 people attending these sessions, with webinars on occupational therapy garnering maximum attendance,” says Rema Chandramohan, retired director, Institute Of Child Health, Madras Medical College, who oversees the centre’s functioning.

The high point of the 40-minute webinars are the question and answer sessions from parents.

“Everybody may not have access to a speech or occupational therapist but one can make use of the environment at home to offer therapy, for which we offer guidance. We also provide info about other centres in the state where one can avail therapy,” says Dr. Rema, a Professor of Paediatrics.

Early intervention is the first help one can offer a child with ASD for which the Centre is creating awareness.

“Currently, the Centre receives five new people a day and 18-20 patients come for therapy,” says Dr Rema.