Planet Solace: A Place for Happiness, organized an awareness program on intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disorders in collaboration with the Civilian Welfare Foundation on 23rd January 2024. The day's significance was commemorated with Bose’s undaunting spirit to gain independence from the evils of social prejudices, myths, andtaboos fogging the true understanding of intellectual disability.
The teachers of the Civilian Welfare Foundation participated in the awareness program. Dr. Nabamita Chakraborty, secretary of Planet Solace, commenced the program followed by a short address by the vice-president of Planet Solace, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjukta Das. The mental health professionals addressed a multitude of issues encircling intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Through the awareness program, the participants gathered a true picture of intellectual disability and the challenges faced by caregivers. Clinical Psychologist Sukanya Dutta aimed at the early signs and symptoms associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders, especially focusing on intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Psychologist Neha Jain embarked on the importance of intelligence assessments as well as the benefits of disability certificates. The concept of comorbidity among neurodevelopmental disorders and their identification were addressed by Clinical Psychologist Ria Batavyal. Finally, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjukta Das talked about the various management strategies for people diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. Caregiver’s stress and other issues related to it were also discussed during the program. To conclude the session, the participants shared various perspectives and gained various new ones through the open discussions.
The focal point of the awareness program was to approach the issue of neurodevelopmental disorders from a lens of diversity. Planet Solace aimed at promoting a fresh and renewed perspective on intellectual disability devoid of grappling prejudices; and the awareness session is one of the firsts of many more milestones.
