AutismCare Nepal Society

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  • Harishiddhi - 29, Lalitpur, Nepal
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ACNS Capacity Building Project

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2015

Participation in an introductory program organised by PAFPIED on 28th August 2015; titled “Plan to support families of people with intellectual disability affected by devastating earthquake. During the program participants discussed to conduct survey of affected families and training families on disaster preparedness for future safety. Finally a handbook will be published on it.

Orientation on Autism to the community workers from Ilam, Jhapa and Sunsari during the training organized by CBR(RCRD) Bhaktapur on 28th August 2015. Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya and Ms. Sijan facilitated the program on Friday. The community workers actively participated and that helped them to understand autism and to know the signs.

AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) participated in the one day review meeting of various Disabled People’s Organizations of Nepal organized by Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) on 12th April 2015 at Women and Children Department, Pulchowk, Lalitpur. During the meeting there was participation of more than 70 DPOs who have received the grant from MoWCSW. There was participation of Dr. Kapendra Shekhar Amatya, Advisor and Mr. Surendra Bajracharya, Project Coordinator of ACNS in the meeting. On the occasion, there was presentation by Dr. Kapendra Shekhar Amatya , Advisor of ACNS, regarding the progress of ACNS through various activities to serve the person with autism in Nepal.

On the same day (4th April 2015) there was stall exhibition program at Patan Durbar Square in collaboration with Rotract Club of Mahabouddha (RCM). More than 200 people visited the stall according to the representatives of RCM and there was massive distribution of IEC Materials of Autism.

On 4th April 2015 ACNS organized Autism Awareness Rally from 7:30 am to 9:30 am to spread the Awareness of Autism among the local people. During the program there was participation from various organizations along with the ACNS family. The rally program was lead by the ACNS board members and Good will Ambassador of ACNS Mr. Santosh Pant. During the rally there was participation of hundreds of people. There was announcement regarding the autism awareness. After the completion of Rally program there was certificate distribution program to volunteer artists of Docudrama, volunteers of WAAD program and the organization participated in the rally program.

On the special occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2015, ACNS celebrated the 7th Anniversary grandly with autism awareness programs and LIUB program at Basantapur Durbar Square. The program was conducted in 2 sessions. In the first session, the formal program was organized with the presence of following distinguished guests.

  1. Goodwill Ambassador of ACNS Mr. Santosh Pant
  2. Mr. Stephen Rowe, 1st Secretary Australian Embassy
  3. Ms. Sarah Boddington, 1st Secretary, Australian Embassy
  4. Mr. Shankar Prasad Pathak, Under Secretary, Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare.
  5. Ms. Renu Lohani, DPOD Nepal
  6. Mr. Indra Man Suwal, Division chief, KMC
  7. Mr. Rudra Adhikari, D.D/Chief Inclusive Education Section.

There was active participation of all the executive board members, advisors, staff members, teachers, parents and children with autism during the whole program.

The program was hosted by Mr. Surendra Bajracharya, Project Coordinator of ACNS. During the program, the welcome speech was given by Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson of ACNS and program details of autism awareness month – April was shared by Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati, Chief Administrator and Project Co-ordinator of ACNS. And thank you speech was given by Mr. Krishna Lamsal, Advisor of ACNS. The second session was the various performances with stage programs during the occasion. The LIUB song was performed by the team of ACNS lead by Ms. Kripa Shrestha, Parent of Children trainer and at the same time LIUB program was performed at Basantapur Durbar as well as at Rani Pokhari too. There was also, group performance and individual performance of Children with Autism. There was also show of Docu-Drama “Sunaulo Bihani” on big screen. Face painting and lightening of blue candle around the Mandala of ACNS was another attraction of the program. The next attraction was the photography completion with the theme of stories with 3 photographs. There was also distribution of T-shirts of Autism awareness and LIUB sponsored by United Nation Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). With massive mobilization of volunteers the program was a great success. More than 500 people participated in the program and there was massive distribution of IEC Materials like Posters, Pamphlets, Brochures, and Calendars. Next important attraction was the stall exhibition of Vocational products produced by CWAs and their parents.

ACNS organized the LIUB program at Rani Pokhari in collaboration with Kathmandu Metropolitan city to spread the awareness of autism among the people; the lightening program was performed on 1st and 2ndApril 2015 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Representatives of ACNS distributed the IEC materials to pedestrian during the program. It was a great celebration day for ACNS on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

With the initiation of Autism Awareness Month, AutismCare Nepal Society started organizing various awareness programs throughout the month of April. On 1st April 2015, ACNS organized the Stall Exhibition of vocational products and IEC materials and there was massive distribution of Posters, Pamphlets, Stickers, Calendars, and Brochures to the students and teachers for Awareness of Autism at Tri-Chandra College. More than 200 people visited the stall and got knowledge about Autism and its sign and symptoms. In the stall exhibition, the materials like different types of candle, envelope, paper pencil, muffler etc. were kept which were made by the Persons with Autism and Parents of Children with Autism.

ACNS conducted the interaction program on Autism with the pediatrician, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors and general practitioners at Dhulikhel hospital on 6th February 2015. The Program was conducted by Dr. Merina Shrestha, Pediatrician and Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson of ACNS.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2014

Autism Care Nepal Society Participated in the Stall Exhibition program organized by Engage on 29th Dec. 2014. There was interaction program with various social and volunteer organizations during the program and IEC materials on Autism were distributed to the participants of the exhibition.

ACNS participated in a Rally organized by Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) on the occasion of 23rd International Disability Day. There were the massive participation of the different organization of Nepal related with Disability. During the rally ACNS representatives distributed the pamphlets for awareness of Autism.

Autism Care Nepal Society (ACNS) participated in the 15th Annual General Meeting of National Federation of Disabled Nepal (NFDN) held on November 1st and 2nd in Hetauda as it is an active member of NFDN. There was participation of more than 300 DPOs from all over 74 districts. There was participation of Board member Ms. NeelamGautam and Project Coordinator Mr. SurendraBajracharya from ACNS. During the program there was presentation on Autism along with other disability issues.

AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS), successfully organized its 7th Annual General Meeting on 13th September, 2014 (28th Bhadra 2071). The Whole program was hosted by Mr. Bidhan Shrestha, Secretary. During the program, the Welcome speech and Annual Report of fiscal year 2070/71 was presented by Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya,Chairperson; Financial report of fiscal year 2070/71 was presented by Mr.Gyanendra Shakya, Treasurer; Introduction of Autism and AutismCare Nepal Society was given by Ms. Kalpana Ghimire Baral, member; and Annual planning of Fiscal year 2071/72 was shared by Ms. Neelam Gautam. During the Program, Mr. Santosh Pant, was Chief guest and he was felicitated with Certificate of Appreciation and nominated as Goodwill Ambassador of AutismCare Nepal Society. In addition there was also speech from Ms. Renu Lohani, from DPODN, Mr. Mukunda Hari Dahal, secretary of NFDN and Mr. Rabindra Bahadur Pradhan, President of Rudra BAhadur Memorial Foundation. In the program there was also interaction program with the parents and board members as well as there was feedback form collection program for further improvement and development of organization.

Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson of ACNS participated in consultation meeting on the living condition of person with disability, current national disability policy and available services Organized by Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare, Save the Children and RCRD on 5th and 6th September 2014 at Alfa House, New Baneshor , Kathmandu. During the program there was participation of following organizations: Save the Children, Koshis Nepal, My Rights, DPOD Nepal, Banepa portage centre,CP centre, Handicap International, Australian Embassy, Patan CBR, different DPOs including AutismCare Nepal Society.

AutismCare Nepal participated in the stall exhibition for the Awareness of Autism in program organized by the Blind Cricket Association of Nepal at Engineering Campus, pulchowk on 31st May 2014 the tournament was held between theVisually Impaired Women of Bagmati Vs Kaski and the National Cricket team of Nepal Vs Celebrity of Nepal.

All the teachers of ACN participants in the interaction with the expert of PCIT on 15th may 2014 at AutismCare Nepal by an American Psychologist Budd Karen and Trevor Stokes. Prof. Budd Karen is a senior full bright scholar currently working in our Central Department of Psychology. Prof. Trevor Stokes and Karen are collaborators on Teachers Child Interaction Training.

Sunita Maleku Amatya, President, ACN participated in the International Seminar on Autism 2014 organized by the PER MATA Division of the Prime Ministers Department, Malaysia; the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia; and University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in collaboration with Autism Speaks, New York on 22nd to 23rd of April 2014, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The computer traning was conducted at AutismCare Nepal from 21st April 2014 to 2nd May 2014 for the staff of ACN to develop the computer skill . Tarining was mainly focus on excel and powerpoint by the representative from france; Mr. Jean Pierre Garrec in coodination with the planète urgence. Which is a non-profit association of Franch.

The program on Research Discussion and Awareness campaign on Autism was held in Martin Chautari on 29th of April, 2014. Dr. Merina Shrestha and Ms. Rena Shrestha had facilitated the program where there were 25 participants including, psychologist, sociologists, politician and students. The program mainly focused on research on Autism and Autism awareness in Nepal.

Congratulations to Mr. Bibhas Maharjan Suwal, the winner of the Autism Awareness “Light It Up Blue 2014” photo contest. This is a photo of a “Basantapur Durbar Square” with blue light to raise awareness on Autism was organized on 2nd April 2014 on auspicious occasion of World Autism Awareness Day. Among many photographs ten photographs were selected by jury of Mr. Raj Bhai Suwal, Senior and renowned photographer of Nepal , Mr. Bidhan Shrestha, Secretary, AutismCare Nepal and Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati, Art Therapist, ACN. We would like to thank all other participants. Mr. Bibhas Maharjan Suwal, student of Advertising Desgin at WLC College was awarded with prize money Rs. 10000/- on 30th April 2014, at ACN by Ms. Anjana Mahara, Vice-President , ACN.

In order to mark Autism Awareness month AutismCare Nepal (ACN) organized the Autism Awareness Rally. With the aim of raising awareness about autism around the ward no. 2, Kathmandu area autism awareness rally was organized with joint collaboration with the community police centre.
The rally was initiated from AutismCare Nepal Office at about 7:30 am on 5th April 2014. During the rally, the renown comedy artist Mr. Santosh Pant was chief guest and there were also numerous distinguished guests from various organizations. There was maximum participation of parents and caretakers of children with Autism. The female participation was maximum during the program. All the ACN board members, staffs, teachers, volunteers had actively participated in the program. The participation from the Community police was also appreciable during the program. There was massive distribution of IEC materials; brochures, pamphlets, stickers and calendars during the program.

After the completion of rally there was formal program for distribution of letter of appreciation to different schools that have helped AutismCare Nepal and Children with Autism to enroll them in their particular schools. There was also free counseling and discussion program on distribution of disability Identity cards for Children with Autism (CWA).

The Conference was held at AutismCare Nepal on 3rd April 2014 started with the brief introduction about Autism Spectrum Disorder and AutismCare Nepal was given to the participants of the Association of Nepal Occupational Therapist (ANOT ) meeting. The presentation was focused on the three core impairments of the Individuals with autism which are communication, social interaction and the repetitive thoughts and behaviour. The participants were also given information about the various services provided by AutismCare Nepal.
Brief discussion on Autism and how the Occupational Therapist is working here in the AutismCare Centre.

The meeting was focus on following agendas:

  1. ANOT registration as association.
  2. ANOT blog responsibilities.
  3. ANOT office bearers etc.

It was agreed that to put a point in ANOT blog that every volunteer who come to work in Nepal should register him/herself with ANOT and at the mean time also train a Nepali Occupational therapist or Occupational therapy assistant as far as possible.

World Autism Awareness Day 2014 started with flying colors as the morning of 2nd April started with full of News and Awareness articles in different daily newspaper and TV/ FM Radio. The main program started at Basantapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) at 5:30 pm.
It was celebrated with grand recognition along with light it up blue program we had massive awareness by showing the video of street drama “Sunaulo Bihani” specially prepared for autism awareness on big screen. The Proclamation message by the Honorable President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was also made public during the programme. There was massive distribution of IEC materials like brochures, pamphlets, stickers, posters and Nepali New year Calendars. In this International Autism Awareness Program, all the distinguished guests and participants were welcomed by the Chairperson of ACN (Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya). After that there was initiation of Blue candle lightening program inaugurated by renown comedy artists of Nepal Mr. Santosh Pant, the songs performed by Nirakar Bista playing paino overwhelming the Basantapur Durbar square with magic of music. The Blue and Beautiful Basantapur Durbar attracted everyone over the site and were curious about the program and about autism. The reknown photographer Mr. Raj Bhai Suwal was next attraction to viewers and inspiration to the photographer as there was also Photography contest in which we invited all the photographers to take photograph of the event and submit within 13th April 2014. The one most effective photograph will be awarded by Rs. 10,000 as well as that photograph will be published in the website and bulletin of America’s renowned Autism advocacy organization “Autism Speaks”.

There was participation of about 3 hundred participants who have been registered and more than thousand observe the program. There was active participation from different social media group and the program had massive coverage in newspapers, radio and television program. The program was a great success to aware general people about autism.

Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson, ACN participated in the First National conference on Portage Programme Nepal- 2014 held at Banepa on 27th March 2014. Dr. Amatya made presentation on Early identification and intervention of Autism. She also invited all the participants to be part of Light It Up Blue program going to be held in 2nd April in Basantapur Durbar Square on special occasion of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)- 2014.

Mrs. Jackie Springthorpe Dangol, our well-wisher made donate of Rs. 48000/- for buy a brick and therapies at ACN on 7th March 2014. Is married to Mr. Rabindra Dangol of Nepal, she mainly lives between UK and Nepal and has 20 years of experience as a qualified Occupational Therapist and Advanced Practice in Sensory Integration, working the last 12 years with children; Special interest in Autism and the use of sensory Integration.

Mr. Omer Malchi, a special education teacher, specializing in autism from New York City, volunteering for a community development project with Nyayik Sansar/Tevel B’Tzedek and Mr. Durga Bd Thapa visited ACN on 10th Feb 2014 and had meeting with Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati and Mr. Surendra Bajracharya to initiate Autism awareness and Teachers training on Autism at Ramechhap District. Resources materials was provided for awareness and training.

Dr. Margaret Lobo, MT, FRSA; founder of Otakar Kraus Music Therapy Trust UK and The Music Therapy Trust UK visited AutismCare Nepal on 24th Jan 2014 and had a meeting at ACN.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2013

Ms. Gerda Pauler inaugurated vocational area which was constructed through the fund provided after “The Great Himalayan Trail 2012” and Ms. Pauler facilitated Music and Dance Workshop on 7th Dec 2013 at ACN to parents and staff of ACN.

10 psychology students from Padma Kanya Campus visited ACN on 20th Dec 2013 with Mrs. Minarwa Jonche, Lecturer to know more about Autism and AutismCare Nepal. During the visit Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati facilitated the group.

Ms. Gerda Pauler, well wisher of AutismCare Nepal made her presentation and lecture on “The Great Himalaya Trail” one of the longest and highest trails in the world. It is a trail that winds for 1,700 kilometers through Nepal – across the ‘roof of the world’, over ice-covered passes, crossing high-mountain deserts and through some of the most remote areas on earth. This path is perhaps the ultimate walk. In 2012, Himalaya veteran Gerda Pauler set out to walk the length of the trail to raise awareness of autism in Nepal. She gifted charity donations to ACN for development of infrastructure to start Vocational Center and training. Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Gerda Pauler on behalf of children with autism, parents and members of ACN.

Honorable . Mr. Hanan Goder Goldberger, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal visited in ACN with Mr. Nitzan Arny, Deputy Chief of Mission on 31st Oct 2013 and donated two computers. On the occasion, Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson, ACN made a presentation on Autism and ACN’s activities.

Dr. Sunita Amatya Malekhu, Chairperson ACN participated in 11th annual general meeting and conference of Portage and rehabilitation organization Nepal held in Banepa on 9th November 2013. During the conference she gave brief introduction about AutismCare Nepal and addressed the need of Autism awareness in Nepal. Dr. Amatya made appeal to participated parents for their active participation in the rehabilitation of their children not just depending upon the centers as children spends most of the time with their parents. She also added that ACN is always ready to help portage Nepal in early intervention and rehabilitation of Children with Autism.

Consultation Meeting with different organization working in Disability including Autism was conducted by ACN on 29th Oct 2013 at ACN . Representatives from AutismCare Nepal (ACN), Special School for disabled and Rehabilitation Center (SSDRC), Special Education and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children (SERC), Asha Bal Bikash Sewa (ABBS) were participated. Meeting was concluded with following decisions:

  • All participants agreed to have inter organization meeting every 3 months
  • Staffs from each organization will visits each other’s organizations
  • ACN will provide 2 days training and workshop for service provides to the children/person with Autism on favorable dates of participants/ interested organizations

Twenty B.Sc in psychiatric nursing students from Nursing Campus, TUIOM, Biratnagar visited AutismCare Nepal on 1st Oct 2013. Visit was focused to know more about autism after studying it in their nursing course. During the visit Ms. Sijan Shakya, Special Educator made presentation on Autism.

On 4th October 2013, ACN annual Picnic was successfully organized by ACN in Tribhuwan Park with all ACN family including children with autism, their parents, teachers and volunteers with the need and requirement of entertainment with interaction among all members of ACN. The Children with Autism showed their participation and talent by singing, dancing, playing and interacting with each other making their parents happy too. The active participations of parents in dancing and singing program made the gathering environment more joyful. The ACN provide the platform for all the children and their parents to forget their sorrow and enjoy full moment.

AutismCare Nepal has successfully completed its 6th Annual General Meeting 2070 and election. Previous executive board is re-elected for 2nd two year term.

  • President: Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya
  • Vice President: Mrs. Anjana Bansent Mahara
  • Secretary: Mr. Bidhan Shrestha
  • Treasurer: Mr. Gyanendra Raj Shakya
  • Executive Member: Mrs. Kalpana Ghimire Baral
  • Executive Member: Mrs. Rachana Ghimire Lamsal
  • Executive Member: Mrs. Neelam Gautam

Congratulation! to the Team.

Emily Jones is a Fulbright Scholar currently conducting a 10 month ethnographic study of parental conceptions of autism in Kathmandu with the support of AutismCare Nepal. She has her BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology upon her return to the United States. She can be reached at: emily.jones@fulbrightmail.org

Farewell to Trainee Art Therapist, Carolyn Krueger from Goldsmiths University, London. Ms. Krueger was on her second volunteer-ship at ACN as an art therapist. She contributed to Day Care at ACN and also made presentation to the staff of ACN about Art therapist and its benefit to the children with Autism.

A thematic paper was presented by Dr. Videsha Shrestha on 10th August 2013. Dr. Shrestha made presentation of her research on “Nutritional Status Among Nepalese Disabled Children (6-12) in Kathmandu Valley. Her research reviled that malnutrition was seen to be higher in physically disabled children as compared to mentally disabled and food eating habits of the children is significantly associated with type of disability.

Computer training to staffs of ACN is going on from 22nd July 2013 in collaboration with Planete Urgence and AutismCare Nepal as MP partner of DPOD Nepal.

Occupational and Speech Therapy students Jess Middleton, Michael Mclnerney, Meghan Cottle, Abby Blair, Jordy Green and Alicia Thomas from Charles Strut University arrived at AutismCare Nepal on 27th May 2013 for their abroad internship with Professor. Michael Curtin.

Training on Autism was started, from 27th May 2013 for two weeks. Participants were Mr. Yam Bahadur Gaha and Mrs. Sharmila Khadaka from Resunga Hospital of Tamghas, Gulmi and Mrs. Sunita Rajbhandari and Mr. Shanta Lal Shrestha from Okhaldunga Community Hospital of Okhaldhunga.

B.Sc in psychiatric nursing students from Tribhuvan University, Teaching Hospital visited AutismCare Nepal on 7th May 2013. Visit was focused to know more about autism after studying it in their nursing course.

Women group from Himshudha Colony, Neelsaraswati Marg, visited to AutismCare Nepal on 2nd May 2013 to know about the Autism and AutismCare Nepal and at the same time they also supported ACN by contributing 91 bricks on Buy a Brick program. ACN family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all members of Himsudha Colony women group.

Congratulations to Mr. Manish Shrestha, the winner of the Autism Awareness “Light It Up Blue 2013” photo contest. This is a photo of a “Boudha Stupa” with blue light to raise awareness on Autism was organized on 2nd April 2013 on auspicious occasion of World Autism Awareness Day. Among many photographs this photo was selected by committee of Mr. Kabindra Man Shakya, President, National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ), Mr. Bidhan Shrestha, Secretary, AutismCare Nepal and Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapati, Art Therapist, ACN. We would like to thank all other participants.

ACN successfully completed “Celebration of WAAD and Interactive program on Autism” at AutismCare Nepal, premises, Gairidhara, Kathmandu on 6th April 2013, Saturday in the presence of members, parents of children with Autism and well-wishers. Program started with introduction of the participants and welcome speech from chairperson. In the plenary interaction Dr. Merina Shrestha, Developmental Pediatrician, Ms. Rena Shrestha, Psychologist, Ms. Kalpana Baral, Day Care In-charge, Ms. Sijan Shakya, Special Educator, Ms. Kripa Shrestha, Parent and Child Trainer including Chairperson delivered the answers to the questions raised by the participants.

Musical Therapy Trust Team conducted the musical concert involving children with autism from ACN, Master Nirakar Bista, played piano with heart touching musics.

Dr. Sushial Koirala, President of Peace for Nepal and propounder of “Rose Movement” introduced his Rose Movement campaign at ACN by distributing different colored roses to the children and all participants of the program by enchanting world “SORRY” for not being able to provide better facilities to person with Autism by state and made appeal for the support from government.

Light It Up Blue; Talk program on “Autism” was conducted by MedSted Nepal which was supported by AutismCare Nepal on 3rd April 2013 at College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences(CBEAS), Handigaun. Key speakers of the program were Mr. Trilok Shrivastava President, MedSted Nepal; Mr. Vishwa P. Shrivastava, Principal, CBEAS; Dr. Kapendra Amatya, Advisor ACN, and Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya, Chairperson ACN. Program was focused on uplifting the health standard of community. Participants were students from different medical colleges. For more information check: medsansar.com

Every year prominent landmarks are lit Blue all around the world to increase awareness on Autism. In Nepal this initiation was started last year by lighting Blue Basantapur Durbar, Swayambhu Stupa, Dharahara tower, TU Teaching Hospital, Midat Hospital, Dhulikhel Hospital, Manipal Hospital, KMC and many more buildings too.

ACN successfully completed LIUB by lighten at Boudha Stupa UNESCO World Heritage site on 2nd April 2013. It was started with a distribution of Nepali New Year calendar prepared by ACN (which starts from Mid April) which reflected Light it Up Blue, different signs and symptoms of autism and different activities of ACN and blue colored candles. The Boudha Stupa blue followed by a mass of more than 200 people attending along with lighting up blue candles and Master Nirakar Bista, a boy with autism played piano for signifying solidarity. Photographers were busy capturing stupa through their lens to participate in photography contest.

AutismCare Nepal and different medical schools including Lumbani Medical College and Kathmandu Medical College were also lit Blue.

The South Asian Autism Network (SAAN) conference was held on Feb 11th, 2013 in New Delhi and was attended by Dr. Sunita Malekhu Amatya. The conference was inaugurated by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Congress President and Chairperson, National Advising Council, India. Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor- Leste, and Thailand were present. Former Minister of Health, Mr. Rajendra Mahato, spoke about Nepal’s current state and the government’s role in the advocacy of autism. Representatives and speakers from global organizations Autism Speaks and WHO were present and addressed their concerns and expressed their support. Different scientists also presented their recent researches in autism. SAAN Charter directed the following initiative for Autism awareness.

  1. National coordinator for SAAN to be nominated in Nepal as per the norms of Delhi Charter.
  2. Involvement of International Organization like WHO, Autism Speaks to address public health issue of Autism in Nepal context.
  3. Increase public and professional awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  4. Enhance service delivery by providing training and expertise to service providers in early diagnosis and intervention.

ACN is sorry to hear about the accident and demise of Mr. Morten Carlsson, president of our partner organization, Autism Denmark. All parents and members of ACN are deeply grieved by the news and we pray for the peace for his holy soul. May god give courage and strength to his family and Autism Denmark to overcome this period of sorrow.

“Workshop on Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration” for professionals, parents and teachers was conducted by one of the most renowned occupational therapist Dr. Anjali Joshi, Director of Training Ummeed Child Development Center, MSc (Occupational Therapy) on 2nd and 3rd February 2013 at AutismCare Nepal, Premises to 44 participants. Workshop was conducted for two more day to staffs and ACN board members.

Career Counseling on Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration for +2 with Biology students was provided by Dr. Anjali Joshi, Director of Training Ummeed Child Development Center, MSc (Occupational Therapy) on 4th Feb 2013 at Reliance International Academy, Chabahilwhich was jointly organized by ACN an CRM

We would like to congratulate Dr. Sunita Malekhu Amatya, our chairperson at ACN on being appointed as a member of the advisory council at Icare4Autism. Icare4Autism is a global, non-profit organization based in New York City that promotes various medical and educational practices to best serve individuals with autism and families of people with autism. Icare4autism collaborates with research institutions, public organizations, and industry professionals, world wide to promote early diagnosis. They believe that these opportunities will lead to the discovery of biological and environmental causes of autism.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2012

A team of AACTION, Autism Awareness Campaign through International Organization Network arrived Kathmandu on 21st March 2012. AACTION team taken great initiation in coming to Nepal and providing TEACCH (teaching and educating children with autism and communication handicap children) training on “Structure”.

As a part of their annual festival, the students of Kathmandu University School of Management had organized a walkathon on Dec 10, in collaboration with Autism Care Nepal, Community Based Rehabilitation Organization and Rotary clubs around the Valley to disseminate awareness on Autism.
The walk was concluded at the premises of KUSOM, Balkumari. There Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya gave a speech on Autism and thanked all at KUSOM for the walk. Viewswas also expressed by Mr. Deepak Shakya, parent of a child with Autism. It was a very noble initiative by students of KUSOM. Autism Care Nepal extends it heartfelt gratitude to all students and faculties of KUSOM.

The video of the walk on facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=244506102282139

On 17th and 18th of December, a “Workshop on Music Therapy and Art Therapy for Children with Autism” conducted at ACN by Music Therapy Trust Nepal and Autism Care Nepal. The workshop was attended by parents and teachers of children with Autism, Students of Psychology, social work and different faculties. Introduction on Autism spectrum disorders was given by Dr Sunita Maleku Amatya Chairperson of ACN and Sijan Shakya, special educator at ACN. Music therapy was introduced by Music Therapist Mr. Kedar Gandhari, and Miss Liesbeth Staelens, clinical psychologist and student music therapy. Art Therapy was introduced by Mr. Raj Kaji Prajapatii, psychologist and art therapist. Musical program was also conducted by special guest ‘Gandharba Community’ and Belgian lunch also followed.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2011

Miss Shadi Asadi, a speech and language pathologist from Vancouver, Canada, who specializes in Autism; has kindly come to AutismCare Nepal to volunteer for a month. She will be here till 24th of December 2011. Consultation can be made with appointment. Please contact Ms. Ruby or Miss Shrijana at AutismCare Nepal for appointment.

On 21st on October 2011, Vibor Bikas Bank Ltd, Basundhara branch, Kathmandu celebrated their 1st anniversary by donating gifts to the children with Autism at AutismCare Nepal. The gift consisted of story books, cello tapes, lamination paper, water colors, xerox papers, chart papers, crayons, puzzles, magnetic boards etc. The staffs of Vibor Bank also interacted with the children and experienced autism. AutismCare Nepal would like to Thank Vibor Bikas Bank Ltd, Basundhara branch and Wish for their success.

AutismCare Nepal was very excited to welcome members of HealthCare Nepal on 24th October 2011. Mr. Jack Starmer, Director of HealthCare Nepal, along with Dr. Fredrick Basilico, a cardiologist and Dr Judith Waligunda, MD, Internal Medicine, New England Baptist Hospital, Boston and also the chairperson of HealthCare Nepal; were very happy visiting ACN. They interacted with members and parents at ACN. They also interacted with children and toured the premises. They were very glad to meet Mrs. Sijan Shakya, the first Special educator in Autism who completed her Diploma in Special Education with the support from Health Care Nepal. ACN would like to thank them all for supporting ACN and Autism in Nepal.

A team of 11 experts on Autism organized by Knowledge for People arrived Kathmandu on 9th july2011. This complete team serving different necessities for therapeutic purpose of Autism; included Speech and Language pathologist, occupational therapist, Behavioral therapists, TEACCH Expert s. They were Lizzy Donovan: Lizzy is a Senior Educational Consultant at ABC of NC (http://abcofnc.org). She has over 12 years of working with children who have autism and their families and she is currently completing her supervision to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. Lizzy was the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Professional of the Year in 2008.

Autism Speaks and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh – with direct leadership from Saima Wazed Hossain and support from the office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Health–worked together to develop and deliver programs to address the autism challenges in Bangladesh and the region through GAPH. Autism Speaks’ Global Autism Public Health initiative (GAPH) is an ambitious international advocacy effort that strives to help autism communities around the world to develop and implement feasible, effective, and sustainable program solutions. Additional collaborators included leadership from WHO-Geneva as well as representation from the South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO) of the WHO. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi was the chief Guest to the event.

Two days workshop on “Child Development and Disabilities” was organized by Autism Care Nepal in association with IAP and Ummeed Child Development, at its premises on 7th and 8th May 2011 to train the pediatricians from different hospitals within and outside the valley for earlier diagnosis of Autism and other Developmental Disorders. The facilitators were Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy Medical Director at Ummeed Child Development Center and has 15 years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities. She is also Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, USA and Consultant Pediatrician, Developmental Disorders, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India Dr Koyeli Sengupta Developmental Pediatrician at Ummeed CDC, has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, USA.

April 2nd 2011 World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated in Nepal organized by AutismCare Nepal. The Walkathon assembled at Hotel De’L Annapurna and started from there at 8 am. The rally walked with the Banner written “Walkathon, World Autism Awareness Day” with the theme “Are you Aware of Autism”; It reached Durbarmarg, along the Narayan Hiti palace crossed Nagpokhari, Naxal and Gairidhara chowk to reach Autism Care Nepal at Neel Saraswati Marg.

Dr Vikram Dua, a Child Psychiatrist and Former Medical Director of the British Columbia Autism Assessment and Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions Networks, Canada; is a well known name at Autism Care Nepal and its members. He has done a lot for its development. Firstly he trained Mrs. Rena Shrestha (psychologist) in ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale) and also provided ADOS kit free to Autism Care Nepal. He organized a lecture at Autism care Nepal on World Autism Awareness day. He also did assessment of more than 25 kids at Autism Care Nepal in 3 days. His wife Mrs Shawna Goodrich Dua and his two children had also accompanied Dr. Dua in his visit to Nepal. After returning to Canada they have organized an India Night; in which they cooked Indian meals, kept silent auction and raised funds for Autism Care Nepal. They have generously donated the entire sum to Autism Care Nepal. Autism Care Nepal, its children and all its members are very thankful for the love and generosity that they have shown.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2010

Around the world, people with Autism, their parents, other care givers and autism groups are organising events during April in honor of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), 2nd April. This year, is the first time that World Autism Awareness day has been celebrated in Kathmandu, Nepal. While Shah Rukh Khan’s enactment of a character who has autism in his recent film My Name is Khan and the Zee TV hit Aap Ki Antara have both helped to bring attention to autism, awareness of Autism in Nepal still remains very low.

Presentation on “Autism and Autism Care Nepal” was presented at the XVth Congress of Nepal Pediatric Society by Dr. Sunita Maleku Amatya on 27th March 2010. The event was organized by Nepal Pediatric Society at Annapurna Hotel. More than 150 pediatricians from all over Nepal had participated in the event. Autism Care Nepal also freely distributed, a copies of “Autism Spectrum Disorders, A guide for Pediatricians in India” by Action for Autism, New Delhi, India.

Talk program at AutismCare Nepal primeses by Dr. Vikram Dua was conducted on 2nd April 2010, 2 pm. All the parents, professionals, teachers were participated on the program. Dr. Vikram Dua also conducted clinic at Autism Care Nepal on 3rd and 4th of April 2010.

All the children and members of Autism Care Nepal would like to Thank Mr. Jack Starmer, HealthCare Nepal, for their recent contribution towards Autism Care Nepal. Autism Care Nepal would also like to thank Dr. Deepak Mahara and Mrs Anju Mahara for their support and initiation for this contribution.

Where there is a will there is a way. This was proved by all the little boys and girls of Adarsha Vidya Mandir Secondary High School, Primary section. They have patiently collected Rs 2/ from all the children every week from their chewing gum pocket money for a period of 1 year and saved Rs 14000/ and have donated it in form of Toys, sensory materials and edibles in a ceremony organized on 10th March 2010. All the children from Autism care Nepal would like to Thank them and Wish them all the best.

Room to Read have generously donated books for the library of Autism Care Nepal. All the children of Autism Care Nepal would like to thank you for your contribution.

ACN organized charity show of “My Name Is Khan” It is a movie about a person with Asperger’s syndrome( A form of Autism) an unconventional hero overcoming obstacles to regain the love of his life. The show was on 12th of February 2010, 6 pm at Kumari hall.