Mumbai’s autistic children to put on a show of talent today

They are mostly averse to loud noise and crowded places. But, autistic children trained by the Society of Parents and Children with Autistic Disorders (Sopan), will happily slip into their red T-shirts stating ‘Support autism now’ and showcase their talent at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon, on World Autism Awareness Day today.

Teachers of Sopan, school for autism spectrum disorders, along with the children will involve visitors in a creative pottery workshop. “Visitors can try their hand at pottery with one of our kids and can take the readied pot as a souvenir,” says Meeta Bali, principal, Sopan. Besides the pottery workshop, three stalls will display paper bags, jewellery, gift toys and greeting cards, all made by the children with the help of the teachers. A play and a short film talking about autism are also part of the programme.

Autism, a neural development disorder characterised by deficits in social and communication skills and by restricted and repetitive behaviour, is as much of a challenge for parents of such kids, as it is for the children themselves.

“I first learnt that my son Vishal is autistic when he was 3 years old and at the time I didn’t even know what it meant,” says Sarita Singh.

Slow speech development and an immensely hyperactive personality were the characteristic symptoms in Vishal’s case.
Children with autism find it difficult to perform even basic chores like bathing, changing clothes and eating. “They can’t be left unattended at all. We have to be like their shadows,” says Singh.
Shibu Philips, business head, Obeori Mall, says, “A mall is a community centre today which sees footfalls from people across all age groups and specially children who constitute 30% of our population. Hence, it’s the right platform to spread awareness about a condition like autism.”