Arunachal: Awareness camp on down syndrome and other disorders held at SP Office in Naharlagun

A one-day awareness and free assessment camp on Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Learning Disabilities was conducted at the SP Office in Naharlagun. Organized by Ayang Multipurpose Cooperative Society in collaboration with the K Blooming Institute for Early Intervention and Learning, the event aimed to educate police personnel on identifying and understanding these disorders among children and youth.

More than 57 police personnel, including officers, participated in the camp. DSP CN Bui praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and awareness. He emphasized that police officers would help spread this information across stations and posts to assist children with such disorders. SDPO Rishi Longdo stressed that better communication and understanding of conditions like autism and hyperactivity disorders could aid in identifying missing persons or children with special needs, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment.

The event featured an informative presentation by Kaman Pertin, the Center Head of K Blooming Institute, who discussed various disorders, their symptoms, and intervention strategies. Topics included sensory integration, self-regulation, motor skill development, play therapy, and working memory enhancement. Pertin also explained how combining Neurodevelopment Treatment and Sensory Integration Principles could be effective in pediatric therapy.

The camp was particularly significant as the police force, being a crucial social institution, can help spread awareness within the community, said Nerba, the Speech and Language Pathologist. He urged the government to support institutions working for children with developmental disorders, ensuring better care and intervention.

Pertin, who was recently honored with the Women Achiever Award by the Department of Women & Child Development, Arunachal Pradesh, for contributions to child care, reiterated the need for parents to identify signs early and seek timely intervention without hesitation.