Sunday morning witnessed a gathering ofabout 500 people at Bandra Bandstand. The motley group had gathered to joinhands in creating awareness and raising acceptance about autism on the occasionof World Autism Awareness Day. Around 75 children participated in the event, ofwhom 25 were autistic.
Andheri-based Khushi Pediatric Centre, theorganisers of the marathon, has been actively involved in creating awarenessabout autism and other developmental disabilities. Having organised awarenessinitiatives since 2008, Khushi aims to reintegrate every child with specialneeds into mainstream society. Founded in June 2000, Khushi is run by a team ofprofessionals, who employ new-age techniques and tools to stimulate children.For instance, iPads help develop fine motor skills and enhance memory;gardening and sand play enhance sensory integration and blowing scentedbubbles, a fun sensory experience for kids, also aids oral motor skills.
"It is high time we acknowledged andaccepted that intelligence is of different types. I want to stand by those whoare differently-abled," said Nawaz Modi Singhania, fitness and wellness expert.Singhania lent her support by leading those present through a warm-up beforethe run and flagged off the 7-km race. RJ Lavanya and Dr Vrajesh Udani, childneurologist and epileptologist, were also present to lend support to theinitiative.
Sayuri Dalvi, mother of 10-year old Vihaan,who came first in the cause-a-thon, shared her experiences with dna. "When wefirst started seeing the symptoms at the age of seven months, I was in a stateof denial.
However, after the diagnosis was confirmed, I was shocked to see thenature of information available online–it was so negative and scary. We tend tofocus only on the negatives of autistic children so much that we miss out thepositives. They are so pure, transparent, and incapable of malice that it is apleasure to be showered with their love. Vihaan has been going to Khushi forthe past four years and the changes I see in him since then have been phenomenal.I owe a lot to Dr Reena's keen and detail-oriented eye that spots the mostminor aspects of the personality of these kids."
Theevent had two races—7-km and 1-km. The entire event took on the feel of a funfair with several activities arranged for the participants after the races. DrApoorva Shah of Richfeel, who sponsored the prizes, was overwhelmed by theresponse. Humbled by the wonderful environment and spirit of the participantsand volunteers, he said he would like to participate in the event from nextyear.
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