LAHORE: In a heartfelt effort to foster understanding and acceptance, the staff of Govt In-Service Training College and Govt Training College for the Blind joined hands to organize an Autism Awareness Seminar on Autism Awareness Day. The event, here on Wednesday, spearheaded by Principal Tahira Abrar of In-Service Training College, featured a lineup of esteemed speakers and guests dedicated to shedding light on various aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and advocating for inclusive education.
Led by a team of experts including Roqia, Khadija Malik, Hamna, and Ahmad Altaf, the seminar focused on debunking misconceptions surrounding ASD while emphasizing the unique abilities of children on the spectrum. Presentations underscored the importance of altering societal perceptions towards individuals with ASD and championing the need for inclusive educational environments. The presence of Saima Saeed, the Secretary of the Special Education Department, as the chief guest added gravitas to the eve
nt. Saeed underscored the significance of inclusive curriculum and schools for children with ASD, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes towards them.
Dr. Aniqa Sohail, the founder of Autism Pakistan, lent her expertise as a guest speaker, commending the efforts of the Punjab Special Education Department in supporting individuals with ASD. Dr Sohail emphasized the importance of personalized assessment approaches, urging against the labelling of children with ASD. Instead, she encouraged attendees to focus on identifying and nurturing the unique strengths and abilities of each child.
The seminar garnered support from notable figures, including Jamal Abdun Nafay, Gulam Murtaza, and Khaula Minhas, who all echoed their commitment to the cause of inclusivity In essence, the seminar served as a pivotal step towards fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society for individuals with ASD. It underscored the imperative of recognizing and nurturing the diverse abilities of every child, irrespect
ive of their neuro-diversity.