Haryana's first autism research centre opens in Gurugram

Gurugram, Oct 12 (IANS) First of its kind in Haryana, National Autism Intervention Research Centre was launched here on Friday at Fortis Memorial Research Institute by state's Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, R.R. Jowel.

The centre, dedicated to people suffering from Autism, has been started in association with Behaviour Momentum India.

Autism is a lifelong and severe neurobiological disorder, and persons with autism need behavioural and medical experts to help them get educated, learn play and social skills and improve their quality of life. Nearly one crore children across India are estimated to be affected by autism.

The Behavior Momentum India is the brainchild of Dr Smita Awasthi. It is one of the leading providers of educational interventions, based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis, for children and adults affected by autism.

According to Dr Awasthi: "The healthcare facility available for children with special needs is highly unorganised and primarily driven by stand-alone centers and NGOs. The care that is provided is generally standardised and not tailored to the needs of the individual."

Speaking on the occasion, Jowel said: "I am happy that Fortis Healthcare took the initiative of launching the autism centre catering to autistic kids."