JU, Care-North Organize Hands-on Workshop on Autism Awareness , Inclusion

Jammu: In observance of World Autism Awareness Day, the Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, in collaboration with Care-North, successfully organized a hands-on workshop on Autism Awareness and Inclusion on Wednesday. The event provided a platform for educators, parents, and students to deepen their understanding of autism and enhance their capacity to create inclusive environments for children on the autism spectrum.
Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head, Department of Home Science, welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the workshop, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention in autism. She mentioned the need for a concerted effort to raise awareness about the needs and challenges of children with autism. Later, she conducted a technical session focusing on creating inclusive teaching-learning environments.
Dr. Abhishek Chauhan, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Government Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Jammu, was the invited resource person, providing expert insights into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its early detection.
Dr. Chand Trehan, RCI-licensed psychologist and Director of Care-North, conducted the third technical session, focusing on behavioral strategies and effective communication techniques for supporting individuals with autism.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from teachers of Doon International School, Jammu Sanskriti School, IDPS, Army School, BEE ENN Care, Zuvi International School, and Raindrop Preschool, along with parents and students. Their active engagement facilitated meaningful discussions on inclusive education and effective support for children with autism.
This workshop held immense relevance for teachers, as it equipped them with strategies to create inclusive classrooms that cater to the diverse needs of students with autism. Parents benefited by gaining a better understanding of their child’s condition and learning practical techniques to support their development at home. For students, especially those pursuing education and psychology, the workshop provided valuable insights into autism, encouraging a more empathetic and informed approach toward individuals on the spectrum.
Prof. Rajni Dhingra, former Dean Research Studies, graced the occasion as the special guest and distributed certificates to the participants, acknowledging their commitment to promoting inclusivity. She also noted that this initiative marks a significant step towards raising awareness and advocating for a more inclusive society for individuals with autism. The Department of Home Science, JU, remains committed to continuing its efforts in promoting awareness, support, and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The event was efficiently coordinated by MDP in Human Development students Tanisha Jain, Sunaina Sharma, Avantika Parihar, and Ganga. Their dedicated efforts ensured the smooth execution of the workshop, contributing to its overall success.