Focus On Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

Published on: October 1, 2022

Focus On Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

A National level training workshop was organised by ‘Swami Rama Himalayan University’ on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Department of Clinical Psychology, Swami Rama Himalayan University organized an online national level training workshop on ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comprehensive Assessment and Integrated Management,’ on 30th September.

This was conducted in association with Rehabilitation Council of India. Participants from 26 states of the country attended this training workshop.

Experts from eminent institutes shared their knowledge on the topic.

The workshop covered ten topics related to ‘Global Burden of Autism and Current Status of Autism in India’, early identification of ASD in children, the comorbid condition related to ASD and scientific and practical techniques to manage ASD behavior to achieve balanced growth of children with ASD.

Autism is a life-long neurodevelopmental condition, typically identified in early childhood, which interferes with the person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. In the last decade, a substantial increase in public awareness of autism has occurred around the globe.

Epidemiological data estimates the presence of 52 million cases of autism worldwide, affecting around 1 %-2 % of children across the globe. Rate of ASD has increased 178% since 2000 to 2022.

The Department of Clinical Psychology hopes to sensitize professionals in considering ASD as one of the major challenges during the early growth of the child.

During the inaugural session Prof. Dr. V. Chauhan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor SRHU, emphasized that in the past 10 years India has shown an appreciable decline in maternal and child mortality rates, which has been a much faster rate than the global decline. As more and more children now survive, the next challenges we now face is to ensure optimum growth and development and to brace ourselves to meet the challenges beyond the survival agenda.

Prof. Ashok Deorari, Principal Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, emphasized that parents and professionals should learn about the myths and facts related to ASD. Prof Deorari advocated use of dynamic counseling, early identification at community based health worker level, and use of standardized and good tools.

Dr. S.L. Jethani, chief medical superintendent, Himalayan Hospital, conveyed the message that Himalayan Hospital is endeavoring to reach out to each and every person for his or her health needs. Dr. Jethani further focused that autism is the third leading cause of disability. The major causes for this genetic condition are the parents’ age at the time of child’s birth, the lifestyle, the consumption of alcohol, and maternal stress during pregnancy.

Dr. Malini Srivastava, department head of Clinical Psychology at HIMS shared that rate of ASD has increased 178% in past 20 years. This huge increased rate has brought a big burden on society because of high cost in making diagnosis and managing the condition throughout life.

Dr. Anuja Parihair, assistant professor at department of clinical psychology shared how we can identify the symptoms of ASD early. Dr. Ashwani Pundeer explained how we could differentiate the other medical conditions from ASD.

Dr. Madhumita briefed about understanding the symptoms of autism and differentiating the ASD symptoms from other pervasive developmental disorders.

Dr. Soniya Vats shared detailed techniques on Behavioral Intervention of ASD.

Experts from eminent institutes talked about the role and techniques of speech and language, occupational therapy and special education techniques.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.