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The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Walkathon held to promote acceptance of Autism
As part of World Autism Awareness Month, a walkathon was conducted in the city on Sunday to promote acceptance of autism by the society. Organised by the Devdan Foundation Learning Centre, in collaboration with the PADHA Trust, the theme of the event was 'Let's Accept Autism – Walk of Hope: Autism Acceptance Walkathon'. The three-km walkathon commenced at the North Gate of Mysuru palace (Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple premises) and concluded at the University of Mysore's Athletic Ground (Oval Ground). The event evoked a good response from the public and was aimed at promoting autism awareness and its acceptance. District Disability Welfare Officer Shankar Gowda Patil flagged off the event. Krishna, psychiatrist at Revive Hospital, Kotera Devaiah, Director of the Devdan Foundation Learning Centre, Saswati Singh, special educator, and Sangeetha, secretary of the PADHA Trust, were among those present. Mr. Shankar Gowda Patil emphasised the importance of early diagnosis of autism and the imperatives of creating greater awareness about it. He said that autism was one of the 21 recognised disabilities. If identified early, timely support and intervention can be provided. The government is committed to extending all necessary assistance in this regard, he added. Ms. Saswati Singh, who has been advocating for autism awareness for nearly three decades, said the prevalence of autism has increased drastically, from one in ten thousand to as high as one in thirty to fifty children. Without government support, such awareness movements are difficult to sustain, she added. Dr. Krishna highlighted the importance of understanding autism, its early identification, and providing care and attention. The participants in the walkathon called for increased awareness, early intervention, and social acceptance of individuals with autism.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Let's accept autism walk in Mysuru on Sunday
Mysuru: In observance of World Autism Awareness Day , the Devdan Foundation Learning Centre , in collaboration with PADHA Trust, is organising 'Let's Accept Autism – Walk of Hope: Autism Acceptance Walk' on April 27 in Mysuru. The 3-kilometre walk will commence at 6.30am from the North Gate of Mysore Palace (Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises) and culminate at the UoM Athletic Ground (Oval Ground). In India, for every 48 children, 1 child is diagnosed with autism. Speaking to reporters, Kotera Devaiah, director of Devdan Foundation Learning Centre, said, "This isn't just a walk. It's a movement. We walk for the children still waiting to be understood. We walk for the parents seeking help, support, and hope. We walk to challenge stigma, break the silence, and celebrate the strength and uniqueness of every autistic individual. We invite leaders of institutions, professionals, corporates, entrepreneurs, bankers, industrialists, students, and citizens to join us and show that Mysuru stands for acceptance. All participants will receive a 'Certificate of Autism Acceptance'—a symbol of commitment towards making Mysuru the first certified city for compassion towards autism." Apart from providing education to these children, the centre also provided job opportunities to many people with autism. Dhanya Ponnamma Ballachanda, chairperson, Devdan Foundation Learning Centre, said, "Autism is not an illness. It's a different way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. It's not something to be fixed—it's something to be understood and embraced. And yet, many remain undiagnosed, families remain unsupported, and stigma continues to isolate those who deserve nothing but acceptance. Join Mysuru's first-ever Autism Awareness Walkathon to raise awareness about autism, promote early diagnosis and compassionate support, share practical insights on nutrition and behavioural wellness, spread a message of inclusion, love, and community. Your presence matters. Walk with us — for acceptance, for dignity, for hope." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Sangeetha, secretary of PADHA, said, "Twenty years back, for every 10,000 children, one child was diagnosed with autism, but now, for every 48 children, one child is diagnosed with autism. Hence, awareness of autism is very important." For participants, the dress code is blue.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Walk of Hope': Autism awareness walkathon in Mysuru
On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, the Devdan Foundation Learning Centre, in association with PADHA Trust, has organised 'Let's Accept Autism – Walk of Hope: Autism Acceptance Walkathon' on Sunday in Mysuru. The 3-km long walkathon will commence at 6.30 a.m. from the North Gate of Mysore Palace (Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises) and culminate at the University of Mysore Athletic Ground (Oval Ground). In India, for every 48 children, one child is diagnosed with autism, and therefore awareness is crucial, the organisers said. Kotera Devaiah, director, Devdan Foundation Learning Center, told a press conference here on Wednesday: 'This isn't just a walk. It's a movement. We walk for the children still waiting to be understood. We walk for the parents seeking help, support, and hope. We walk to challenge stigma, break the silence, and celebrate the strength and uniqueness of every autistic individual.' The foundation, in a release here, said it invites leaders of institutions, professionals, corporates, entrepreneurs, bankers, industrialists, students, and citizens to join the walk and extend their support to the campaign. Dhanya Ponnamma Ballachanda, chairperson, Devdan Foundation Learning Centre said the Autism Awareness Walkathon has been organised to raise awareness about Autism, promote early diagnosis and support. 'Don't wait; don't watch from the side-lines. Your presence matters. Your voice is needed. Your support can light the way to a more inclusive future. Walk with us,' she appealed. Sangeetha, secretary, PADHA Trust said, 'Twenty years back, for every 10,000 children, one child was diagnosed with autism, but now, for every 48 children, one child is diagnosed with Autism. Hence, awareness on autism is very important.' For participants, the dress code is blue. For details, contact Devaiah 9900281275 and Sangeetha 8904003900.
