Autism Awareness Programme - Confluence 2014

Confluence 2104, a festival of music and dance combined with carnival in support of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder turned out to be very successful. This awareness programme was organised by Venkat Narayan Educational and Charitable Trust in collaboration with D.K.'s Learning Centre on April 5^th, 2014.

The event’s objective was to show support for children with special needs, especially, for children with autism and their parents. Eminent professionals - Ms. Geetha, Occupational therapist and Ms. Janice Shiji, Psychologist and a Social Worker participated in the event. Mrs. Padmini, Editor of Sudhesi Magazine also spent time in the event.

Clockwise from top left: Ms. Geetha, Occupational therapist addressing the gathering; Mrs. Padmini presenting a book "The Autistic Brain" to Mrs. Jayanthi Kannan, Founder, D.K.'s Learning Centre; Ms. Janice Shiji, Psychologist and a Social Worker, giving a motivational talk.

Ms. Geetha addressed the gathering explaining ways to handle children with autism, and also briefed on therapies that can make them better and equipped. Ms. Janice Shiji emphasized on the importance of accepting children with special needs. She stated life history of many achievers (suspected with some form of autism) like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Abhishek Bachchan, which was motivating for the parents.

The event also had cultural programmes performed by the children. The programme highlighted the importance of inclusion. Children, no matter what difficulty or disability they are with, were included in the cultural show.

Children performing in the show

The pyramid show

The sale put up at the event included articles made by children of D.K.’s learning centre - Jewellery articles, print and designer kerchiefs, bottle painting, candle (art) painting and home-made candles. Food stalls were also a part of the event.

Art work by children of D.K.'s

D.K.'s is very happy that this awareness programme - Confluence 2014 turned out to be successful. All our children have taken a lot of effort to make this event successful. Also, the involvement that our children showed in preparing materials and making up stalls were immense and it definitely had a good response from the public. 

Participants at the event

D.K.’s conveys its sincere thanks to everyone who helped in making Confluence 2014 happen and also for supporting the cause.