Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (GA)
Pics: Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Apr 3: The governor has said that autism is growing at an alarming pace and there is little knowledge about the disorder among the people. In this connection, he said there is need to tackle the problem with compassion by society, government and non-governmental organizations. The Governor called upon the non-governmental organizations to join hands with the government in creating awareness about autism in towns and villages.

Governor Jamir was speaking to a group of autistic children, parents and other eminent people who met him under the banner of 'Forum for Autism' at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday April 2 morning.

Speaking on the occasion, well-known cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said that autistic children are lovely, but they are different from normal children. They are differently-skilled and given proper training and support, can play an important role in society.

Achyut Godbole, IT expert said that autism is a very special kind of ailment affecting children. Parents of the autistic children often worry what would happen to their children when they are not around. There are very few schools for autistic children and fewer teachers and trainers to look after them. Considering the rising number of autistic children in the country we need at least 1500 – 2000 residential schools / centers for them, he said.

President of the Forum for Autism Chitra Iyer and Secretary Sulekha Doshi presented a 'Charter of Rights of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders' to the governor.